Why Real Madrid Have 'Total Confidence' in Teenager Pitarch

Whenever a 18-year-old makes club history in a crucial Champions League match against Manchester City, it naturally attracts acclaim and the spotlight.

During his first start in the tournament - and fifth appearance for the club - the young midfielder made a strong impression 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 club 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 secure a last eight berth.

Aged 18 years and 226 days, Pitarch was the team's youngest player to begin two matches in the Champions League knockout stages, surpassing Brazil forward Vinicius Jr's previous mark by 10 days.

Rapid Ascent Through La Fabrica

The midfielder is the latest to emerge from the club's academy and is quickly establishing himself as one of the manager's most promising young players.

He signed for Madrid from Leganes in the summer of 2023, having previously been with Atletico Madrid and Getafe's academies, and starting out for the Juvenil C team, where he rapidly created a strong impression.

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

Reports would later describe the moment as "an instant connection," noting Pitarch excelled not only for his technical ability, but for the energy, character and determination he brought to the team.

'His Greatest Quality Remains His Personality'

In the pre-season of 2025, former boss Xabi Alonso called up Pitarch to practice with the senior squad and gave him minutes during pre-season.

Yet, it was the change in manager that proved the defining moment in his development as he was introduced as a second-half replacement in each leg against the Portuguese side that led to the clash with Manchester City.

"I've dreamed of this each night when sleeping, the very first time I began playing football, each day you go to train and each day you play a match," said Pitarch after his debut.

"I have just fulfilled my ambition with the best team in the planet and in the top tournament."

Given a starting debut in the Spanish league against Getafe - where he was for several seasons after moving from Atleti in 2018 - he has retained his place for the following four as fitness issues to Bellingham and Ceballos provided an opportunity.

Pitarch has taken it with displays that have belied his youth and experience.

"He's a extremely fast player, and you can see his capabilities," remarked Arbeloa. "He is extremely energetic, with excellent stamina, effort and movement."

The player's mindset has also impressed his coach.

"His greatest quality is his character," continued Arbeloa. "He constantly demands the ball, and even under pressure, he remains unfazed.

"I realize people are astonished to see him start in a Champions League match, but he is selected because I had complete confidence in him to do his normal game.

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

Spain or Morocco?

Born in a Madrid suburb, in the Spanish capital's community, and was raised deeply involved in the local game, progressing through local academies before entering the club's renowned La Fabrica system.

He possesses both Spanish and Moroccan citizenship, offering him the choice to represent either country at the highest level.

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

Pitarch has played for Spain at youth level, turning out for both the U19 and U20 sides, and participated in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where La Roja reached the quarter-finals.

Nevertheless, he has not yet decided to any senior national team, who are watching his progress with keen attention.

Speaking recently, Pitarch said: "I have not taken my final decision so far. My situation is positive with Spain, but I'll make a decision soon."

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

Eyes on the Prize

At present, Pitarch's focus is on making his mark in the Real side and rewarding his manager's belief.

He played 74 minutes in the two-one win at the Etihad, which sealed a five-one aggregate success and a quarter-final tie with Bayern Munich.

He was replaced by fellow youth graduate in Manuel Angel to emphasise the coach's confidence in the next generation to aid the club chase trophies to come.

Following his impressive impact to date on the Champions League, the midfielder is tipped to play a key role in that.

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