The Reason Los Blancos Have 'Total Trust' in Youngster Pitarch

When an 18-year-old makes club a historic moment in a pivotal Champions League match against City, it inevitably draws praise and attention.

In only his first start in the tournament - and fifth appearance for the club - the young midfielder suitably impressed as the 15-time Champions League winners secured a three-nil round of 16 first-leg lead at the Bernabeu.

The young player, who also had his club debut in the play-off round a month ago with a substitute appearance at Benfica, then helped Los Blancos defeat the English champions in Tuesday's second leg to secure a quarter-final place.

Aged 18 years old, the midfielder became the team's youngest player to begin two matches in the Champions League's latter rounds, beating Brazil forward Vini Jr's previous mark by 10 days.

A Meteoric Rise From The Academy

This talent is the most recent to emerge from the famed youth system and is quickly establishing himself as one of the manager's most exciting protegees.

He signed for Real from Leganes in the summer of 2023, having previously been with Atletico and Getafe's academies, and initially featuring for the under-19 side, where he quickly made a strong impression.

Pitarch worked his way up to the B team 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 current Real boss, who replaced Xabi Alonso in the new year.

Spanish media would later describe the moment as "love at first sight," noting Pitarch excelled not only for his technical ability, but for the energy, character and determination he added to the team.

'His Best Attribute Remains His Personality'

During the summer of 2025, ex-manager Alonso invited Pitarch to practice with the senior squad and gave him playing time in the warm-up matches.

Yet, it was the change in manager that became the defining moment in his career as he came on as a late substitute in both ties against Benfica that set up the clash with Pep Guardiola's team.

"I've dreamed of this each night when sleeping, the very first time I started playing football, each day you head to training and every day you play a match," said Pitarch following his debut.

"I've just achieved my ambition with the greatest club in the planet and in the best competition."

Handed a first start in the Spanish league against his former club - where he was for four years after arriving from Atleti in 2018 - he has kept his spot for the next four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Ceballos created an opening.

The teenager has seized it with displays that have belied his age and experience.

"He is a extremely fast player, and you can observe his capabilities," remarked the coach. "He's incredibly dynamic, with excellent endurance, work-rate and mobility."

Pitarch's mentality has also impressed his manager.

"His standout trait is his character," continued Arbeloa. "He constantly demands the ball, and even under pressure, he doesn't feel it.

"I realize people are surprised to see him make his debut in a European fixture, but he's playing because I had total trust in him to do his normal game.

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

A Future International Decision

Born in Fuenlabrada, in the Madrid region, and grew up deeply involved in the local game, progressing through local academies before joining Real Madrid's renowned youth academy.

He holds dual Spanish and Moroccan nationality, giving him the choice to represent both nations at senior international level.

Under Fifa eligibility rules, footballers may appear for different countries at youth level without being permanently tied, with the final decision only binding once they appear in a competitive full international.

He has featured for the Spanish national team at youth level, turning out for both the under-19 and under-20 sides, and participated in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where Spain reached the quarter-finals.

Nevertheless, he has yet to commit to either senior national team, who are watching his progress with interest.

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

This scenario mirrors that of other dual nationality players such as club colleague Diaz and Barcelona forward Yamal. While teenage Yamal chose La Roja, Diaz opted to play for Morocco.

Eyes on the Prize

At present, his attention is on making his mark in the Real side and repaying Arbeloa's faith.

He featured for 74 minutes in the two-one victory at City, which completed a five-one overall triumph and a last-eight tie with the German champions.

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

Following his impressive impact to date on European football's biggest stage, Pitarch is expected to play a key role in that.

"The manager handles me the identical way. We deal with it very normally. I attempt not to overanalyze it too much - I have to deserve my minutes on the field," he commented following the win at Manchester.