Why Los Blancos Have 'Total Faith' in Youngster Pitarch

When an 18-year-old creates club history in a key European tie against Manchester City, it naturally attracts acclaim and the spotlight.

During his first start in the tournament - and fifth game for the club - the young midfielder made a strong impression as the 15-time Champions League winners claimed a three-nil round of 16 first leg advantage at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The young player, who also had his club debut in the play-off round a few weeks prior with a cameo off the bench at Sporting Lisbon, then helped the Madrid side overcome the English Premier League side in Tuesday's return to secure a quarter-final berth.

Aged 18 years and 226 days, Pitarch was the team's most youthful starter to begin two matches in the Champions League knockout stages, beating star Vini Jr's previous mark by 10 days.

A Meteoric Rise Through The Academy

This talent is the latest to come through from the club's academy and is rapidly cementing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most promising young players.

He signed for Real from CD Leganes in 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico Madrid and Getafe's academies, and starting out for the under-19 side, where he quickly made a positive impact.

Pitarch worked his way up to the reserve side and it was during a friendly match in which they played against the academy's first team, then managed by Arbeloa, where the youngster is said to have drawn the eye of the current Real boss, who replaced Xabi Alonso in January.

Reports would later label the moment as "an instant connection," adding Pitarch excelled not only for his technical ability, but for the vitality, personality and determination he brought to the side.

'His Best Attribute Is His Personality'

During the summer of 2025, former boss Alonso invited Pitarch to practice with the first team and gave him playing time in pre-season.

However, it was the change in manager that became the defining moment in his career as he was introduced as a late substitute in both ties against the Portuguese side that set up the clash with Pep Guardiola's team.

"I've dreamed of this each night when sleeping, the very first time I began playing football, every day you go to train and every day you have a game," stated the player after his first appearance.

"I've 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 his former club - where he was for several seasons after moving from Atleti in 2018 - he has kept his spot for the next four as injuries to Bellingham and Ceballos created an opportunity.

Pitarch has taken it with displays that have defied his age and experience.

"He's a very quick footballer, and you can see what he's capable of," said the coach. "He's extremely energetic, with excellent stamina, work-rate and movement."

The player's mindset has also stood out to his manager.

"His standout trait is his character," continued he. "He constantly demands the possession, and when pressed, he remains unfazed.

"I realize fans might be astonished to watch 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 player like him."

Spain or Morocco?

Pitarch was born in Fuenlabrada, in the Spanish capital's community, and grew up deeply involved in Spanish football, progressing through local academies before joining Real Madrid's renowned La Fabrica system.

He holds dual Moroccan and Spanish nationality, offering him the choice to play for either country at the highest level.

Under international regulations, footballers may represent multiple nations at youth level without being permanently tied, with the final decision only binding once they appear in a official full international.

He has featured for the Spanish national team at youth level, representing both the U19 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 watching his rise with keen attention.

Speaking recently, the player confirmed: "I haven't made my final decision so far. Things are positive with the Spanish federation, but I will reach a decision in the near future."

This scenario echoes that of other bi-national talents such as Real team-mate Brahim Diaz and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal. While 18-year-old Lamine opted for Spain, Brahim decided to play for the Atlas Lions.

Eyes on the Prize

At present, his attention is on establishing himself in the Real side and rewarding his manager's belief.

He played 74 minutes in the two-one victory at City, 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 underscored the coach's confidence in younger players to aid the team pursue future success.

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

"Arbeloa treats me the identical way. We handle it very naturally. I try not to overanalyze it excessively - I have to earn my minutes on the field," he said following the success at Etihad Stadium.