Why Los Blancos Possess 'Utter Faith' in Youngster Pitarch

Whenever a teenage makes club history in a pivotal Champions League tie against City, it naturally attracts praise and attention.

During his first start in the competition - and fifth appearance for the club - the young midfielder made a strong impression as the fifteen-time European champions secured a three-nil last-16 first leg lead at the 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 helped the Madrid side overcome the English Premier League side in Tuesday's second leg to secure a quarter-final place.

Aged 18 years and 226 days, the midfielder was the team's most youthful starter to start twice in the Champions League's latter rounds, beating Brazil forward Vini Jr's record by a week and a half.

Rapid Ascent Through The Academy

The midfielder is the latest to come through from the club's academy and is rapidly cementing himself as one of the manager's most promising young players.

He joined Real from Leganes in 2023, having previously been with Atletico Madrid and Getafe's academies, and starting out for the under-19 side, where he quickly made a positive impact.

He worked his way up to the B team and it was in a friendly match in which they faced the senior squad, then managed by the former defender, where the youngster is said to have drawn the eye of the current Real boss, who took over from Xabi Alonso in January.

Reports would later label the moment as "love at first sight," adding he excelled not only for his skill on the ball, but for the energy, personality and determination he added to the side.

'His Best Attribute Is His Character'

During the pre-season of 2025, ex-manager Xabi Alonso invited the youngster to train with the senior squad and gave him playing time during pre-season.

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

"I've dreamed of this each night before going to bed, the first day I started playing the game, each day you go to train and each day you have a game," said the player after his debut.

"I've just fulfilled my dream with the best team in the planet and in the best competition."

Given a starting debut in La Liga against Getafe - where he was for four years after arriving from Atletico in 2018 - he has retained his place for the following four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Ceballos created an opening.

Pitarch has taken it with performances that have belied his age and experience.

"He's a very quick player, and you can see his capabilities," remarked the coach. "He's incredibly dynamic, with great stamina, effort and mobility."

The player's mindset has also impressed his coach.

"His standout trait is his personality," continued Arbeloa. "He constantly demands the possession, and when pressed, he doesn't feel it.

"I realize people are surprised to watch him make his debut in a Champions League match, but he is selected because I had complete confidence in him to do his normal game.

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

A Future International Decision

Pitarch was born in Fuenlabrada, in the Madrid region, and grew up fully immersed in Spanish football, moving through local academies before joining Real Madrid's famous La Fabrica system.

He holds dual Moroccan and Spanish citizenship, offering him the choice to play for both nations at senior international level.

According to Fifa eligibility rules, footballers may represent different countries at youth level without being permanently tied, with the final decision only binding once they play in a competitive senior international match.

Pitarch has featured for the Spanish national team at youth level, turning out for both the U19 and U20 teams, and participated in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where Spain made it to the quarter-finals.

Nevertheless, he has not yet decided to either senior national team, who are watching his progress with interest.

Speaking recently, the player confirmed: "I haven't made my ultimate choice yet. My situation is great with the Spanish federation, but I'll make a decision soon."

This scenario mirrors that of other dual nationality talents such as club colleague Brahim Diaz and Barca star Lamine Yamal. Whereas teenage Yamal chose La Roja, Diaz opted to represent Morocco.

Focus on the Future

For now, Pitarch's focus is on making his mark in the Madrid lineup and repaying his manager's belief.

He featured for over an hour in the 2-1 victory at City, which sealed a five-one overall triumph and a quarter-final tie with the German champions.

His substitution by another academy player in Angel underscored Arbeloa's trust in younger players to help the club 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 handles me the same. We handle it very normally. I attempt not to overanalyze it excessively - I have to deserve my minutes on the pitch," he said after the win at Manchester.