The Reason Real Madrid Possess 'Total Faith' in Youngster Pitarch

When an teenage creates club a historic moment in a crucial Champions League tie against City, it inevitably draws acclaim and the spotlight.

During his first start in the tournament - and fifth game for the club - the young midfielder suitably impressed as the 15-time Champions League winners secured a 3-0 last-16 first leg lead at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The teenager, who also made his Real debut in the play-off round a few weeks prior with a substitute appearance at Sporting Lisbon, then assisted Los Blancos defeat the English champions in Tuesday's second leg to confirm a last eight berth.

Aged 18 years old, Pitarch became the team's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, surpassing star Vinicius Jr's record by a week and a half.

Rapid Ascent From La Fabrica

This talent is the most recent to come through from the club's academy and is rapidly cementing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most exciting protegees.

He joined Real from Leganes in the summer of 2023, having previously been with Atletico and Getafe academies, and starting out for the Juvenil C team, where he quickly made a strong impression.

Pitarch progressed to the reserve side and it was in a pre-season game in which they faced the senior squad, then managed by the former defender, where the youngster is said to have caught the attention of the present manager, who replaced Xabi Alonso in the new year.

Reports would later label the moment as "love at first sight," adding he excelled not only for his technical ability, but for the vitality, personality and drive he added to the side.

'His Greatest Quality Is His Personality'

In the pre-season of 2025, ex-manager Alonso called up the youngster to practice with the first team and gave him playing time during pre-season.

Yet, it was the change in manager that proved the defining moment in his career as he came on as a late substitute in each leg against the Portuguese side that led to the meeting with Pep Guardiola's team.

"I've dreamed of this every night before going to bed, the first day I started playing the game, each day you head to training and each day you play a match," stated Pitarch after his first appearance.

"I have just fulfilled my dream with the greatest club in the world and in the best competition."

Handed a first start in the Spanish league against Getafe - where he was for four years after moving from Atleti in 2018 - he has retained his spot for the following four as injuries to Jude Bellingham and Dani Ceballos provided an opportunity.

The teenager has seized it with performances that have belied his youth and experience.

"He's a very quick player, and you can observe his capabilities," said Arbeloa. "He is incredibly energetic, with great stamina, effort and mobility."

Pitarch's mentality has also stood out to his coach.

"His standout trait is his personality," added he. "He constantly demands the ball, and when pressed, he doesn't feel it.

"I realize fans might be astonished to watch him make his debut in a Champions League match, but he's playing because I had complete trust in him to perform his normal game.

"He will continue to get chances with the first team. It is delightful to coach a player like him."

Spain or Morocco?

Born in Fuenlabrada, in the Madrid region, and was raised deeply involved in Spanish football, progressing through local academies before entering the club's famous youth academy.

He possesses both Spanish and Moroccan nationality, offering him the choice to play for either country at senior international level.

According to international regulations, footballers may appear for multiple nations at youth level without being locked in, with the final decision only binding once they appear in a official senior international match.

He has played for Spain at underage levels, turning out for both the under-19 and U20 teams, and participated in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where Spain made it to the quarter-finals.

Nevertheless, he has yet to commit to any full national side, who are watching his progress with keen attention.

In a recent interview, Pitarch confirmed: "I haven't made my final decision yet. Things are great with Spain, but I'll make a decision soon."

His situation echoes that of other bi-national talents such as club colleague Diaz and Barca star Lamine Yamal. While teenage Lamine opted for La Roja, Brahim decided to play for the Atlas Lions.

Focus on the Future

For now, Pitarch's focus is on making his mark in the Madrid lineup and rewarding his manager's belief.

He played over an hour in the two-one win at the Etihad, which completed a 5-1 overall triumph and a last-eight matchup with the German champions.

His substitution by fellow youth graduate in Angel to emphasise the coach's confidence in younger players to help the team chase trophies to come.

After his notable contributions to date on European football's biggest stage, the midfielder is expected to be a central figure in that.

"Arbeloa handles me the identical way. We deal with it very normally. I attempt not to think about it excessively - I have to deserve my playing time on the pitch," he commented after the win at Manchester.