Why Real Madrid Possess 'Complete Faith' in Youngster Pitarch

Whenever a 18-year-old creates Real Madrid a historic moment in a pivotal Champions League tie against Manchester City, it inevitably draws praise and attention.

During his maiden start in the competition - and fifth appearance for the team - the young midfielder suitably impressed as the fifteen-time Champions League winners secured a 3-0 round of 16 first leg advantage at the Bernabeu.

The teenager, who also made his Real debut in the play-off round a month ago with a cameo off the bench at Sporting Lisbon, then helped the Madrid side defeat the English champions in the midweek return to secure a last eight place.

Aged 18 years and 226 days, the midfielder became the team's most youthful starter to start twice in the Champions League's latter rounds, surpassing Brazil forward Vini Jr's record by 10 days.

Rapid Ascent Through The Academy

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

He joined Madrid from Leganes in the summer of 2023, having previously been with Atletico and Getafe's youth teams, and initially featuring for the Juvenil C team, where he rapidly created a strong impression.

He progressed to the B team and it was in a friendly match in which they faced the academy's first team, then managed by Arbeloa, where the teenager is said to have drawn the eye of the current Real boss, who took over from Xabi Alonso in the new year.

Spanish media would later label the moment as "an instant connection," noting Pitarch stood out not only for his skill on the ball, but for the vitality, character and determination he brought to the team.

'His Greatest Quality Is His Character'

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

Yet, it was the change in manager that proved the turning point in his development as he came on as a late substitute in both ties against Benfica that led to the clash with Pep Guardiola's team.

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

"I have just achieved my dream with the best team in the world and in the top tournament."

Given a first start in La Liga against Getafe - where he was for several seasons after moving from Atleti in 2018 - he has retained his place for the next four as injuries to Bellingham and Dani Ceballos created an opening.

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

"He's a very quick footballer, and you can observe what he's capable of," said Arbeloa. "He's incredibly dynamic, with excellent endurance, work-rate and movement."

Pitarch's mentality has also impressed his coach.

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

"I realize people are astonished to watch him start in a European fixture, but he's playing because I had complete confidence in him to perform what he usually does.

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

Spain or Morocco?

Pitarch was born in Fuenlabrada, in the Madrid region, and grew up fully immersed in the local game, progressing through local academies before joining the club's famous youth academy.

He holds dual Moroccan and Spanish citizenship, giving him the choice to play for either country at senior international level.

According to international regulations, players may appear for different countries at youth level without being locked in, with the final decision only final once they appear in a official full international.

Pitarch has featured for Spain at youth level, representing both the under-19 and under-20 teams, and took part in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where La Roja made it to the quarter-finals.

Despite this, he has not yet decided to either full national side, who are watching his progress with keen attention.

In a recent interview, the player confirmed: "I haven't made my ultimate choice so far. Things are positive with the Spanish federation, but I will reach a conclusion soon."

His situation echoes that of other dual nationality talents such as Real team-mate Diaz and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal. While 18-year-old Lamine opted for La Roja, Brahim decided to play for Morocco.

Eyes on the Prize

For now, his attention is on establishing himself in the Madrid lineup and rewarding his manager's belief.

He featured for over an hour in the 2-1 win at the Etihad, which sealed a five-one aggregate success and a quarter-final matchup with the German champions.

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

Following his notable contributions so far on the Champions League, Pitarch is expected to be a central figure in that.

"The manager treats me the same. We deal with it very naturally. I try not to think about it too much - I must deserve my playing time on the pitch," he said after the success at Manchester.