The Reason Los Blancos Have 'Utter Faith' in Teenager Pitarch

When an teenage creates Real Madrid a historic moment in a pivotal Champions League match against City, it naturally attracts praise and attention.

In only his first start in the competition - and fifth appearance for the team - the young midfielder made a strong impression as the 15-time Champions League winners claimed a three-nil last-16 first-leg advantage at the Bernabeu.

The young player, who also made his Real debut in the qualifying round a few weeks prior with a substitute appearance at Benfica, then helped Los Blancos defeat the English champions in Tuesday's return to secure a last eight berth.

Aged 18 years and 226 days, the midfielder was the club's youngest player to begin two matches in the Champions League's latter rounds, surpassing Brazil forward Vinicius Jr's record by 10 days.

A Meteoric Rise From La Fabrica

The midfielder is the most recent to emerge from the famed youth system and is quickly establishing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most exciting young players.

He joined Madrid from CD Leganes in 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico Madrid and Getafe youth teams, and initially featuring for the under-19 side, where he quickly made a positive impact.

Pitarch progressed to the reserve side and it was in a pre-season game in which they played against the senior squad, then coached by Arbeloa, where the teenager is said to have drawn the eye of the present manager, who replaced Xabi Alonso in the new year.

Spanish media would later label the moment as "love at first sight," adding he stood out not only for his technical ability, but for the vitality, character and determination he brought to the side.

'His Greatest Quality Is His Character'

In the summer of 2025, former boss Xabi Alonso invited Pitarch to practice with the senior squad and awarded him playing time in pre-season.

Yet, it was Arbeloa's appointment that became the turning point in his career as he came on as a second-half replacement in both ties against the Portuguese side that set up the meeting with Pep Guardiola's team.

"I've dreamed of this every night before going to bed, the very first time I began playing football, each day you head to training and every day you play a match," stated the player following his first appearance.

"I've just achieved my ambition with the best team in the world and in the top tournament."

Given a starting debut in the Spanish league against Getafe - where he was for four years after arriving from Atletico in 2018 - he has kept his spot for the following four as injuries to Jude Bellingham and Dani Ceballos created an opening.

Pitarch has seized it with performances that have belied his age and inexperience.

"He is a very quick footballer, and you can observe what he's capable of," said Arbeloa. "He's incredibly dynamic, with great stamina, effort and mobility."

The player's mindset has also impressed his coach.

"His greatest quality is his personality," added Arbeloa. "He always wants the possession, and when pressed, he doesn't feel it.

"I understand fans might be astonished to see him start in a European fixture, but he is selected because I had total trust in him to perform his normal game.

"He will keep receiving opportunities with the first team. It's a pleasure to coach a talent like him."

Spain or Morocco?

Pitarch was born in a Madrid suburb, in the Madrid region, and was raised fully immersed in Spanish football, progressing through local academies before entering Real Madrid's renowned youth academy.

He holds dual Moroccan and Spanish citizenship, offering him the choice to represent either country at senior international level.

According to Fifa eligibility rules, footballers may appear for different countries at junior level without being locked in, with the ultimate choice only binding once they appear in a competitive full international.

Pitarch has played for Spain at youth level, representing both the under-19 and U20 sides, and took part in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where La Roja reached the last eight.

Nevertheless, he has not yet decided to any full national side, who are monitoring his rise with keen attention.

Speaking recently, Pitarch said: "I have not taken my ultimate choice yet. Things are great with the Spanish federation, but I will reach a conclusion in the near future."

This scenario mirrors that of other dual nationality talents such as club colleague Brahim Diaz and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal. While 18-year-old Yamal chose La Roja, Brahim opted to play for Morocco.

Focus on the Future

At present, his attention is on establishing himself in the Madrid lineup and rewarding Arbeloa's faith.

He featured for 74 minutes in the two-one win at the Etihad, which completed a 5-1 aggregate success and a quarter-final matchup with the German champions.

His substitution by fellow youth graduate in Manuel Angel underscored the coach's confidence in the next generation to aid the team pursue trophies to come.

Following his notable contributions to date on the Champions League, Pitarch is tipped to be a central figure in that.

"Arbeloa treats me the same. We handle it very normally. I attempt not to think about it excessively - I have to earn my minutes on the pitch," he commented after the win at Etihad Stadium.