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

Whenever a teenage creates club history in a key European match against Manchester City, it naturally attracts praise and the spotlight.

In only his maiden start in the tournament - and fifth game for the team - the young midfielder made a strong impression as the 15-time European champions claimed a three-nil round of 16 first leg lead at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The young player, who also had his club debut in the qualifying round a few weeks prior with a cameo off the bench at Sporting Lisbon, then helped Los Blancos overcome the English Premier League side in the midweek second leg to secure a last eight berth.

At 18 years old, the midfielder became the club's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, beating star Vinicius Jr's previous mark by a week and a half.

A Meteoric Rise Through La Fabrica

This talent is the most recent to come through from the club's academy and is quickly establishing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most promising protegees.

He signed for Madrid from Leganes in 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico Madrid and Getafe academies, and initially featuring for the Juvenil C team, where he quickly made a positive impact.

He progressed to the B team and it was in 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 took over from Xabi Alonso in January.

Spanish media would later describe the moment as "an instant connection," adding he excelled not only for his skill on the ball, but for the vitality, personality and determination he added to the side.

'His Best Attribute Is His Personality'

During the summer of 2025, former boss Alonso called up the youngster to practice with the first team and awarded him minutes in the warm-up matches.

Yet, it was Arbeloa's appointment that became the defining moment in his career as he was introduced as a late substitute in both ties against Benfica that led to the clash with Manchester City.

"I've dreamed of this each night when sleeping, the very first time I began playing the game, each day you head to training and each day you have a game," said the player following his first appearance.

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

Handed a starting debut in the Spanish league against Getafe - where he was for several seasons after moving from Atleti in 2018 - he has kept his spot for the following four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Dani Ceballos created an opportunity.

Pitarch has taken it with performances that have defied his youth and experience.

"He's a very quick player, and you can observe his capabilities," said Arbeloa. "He's incredibly dynamic, with excellent stamina, work-rate and movement."

Pitarch's mentality has also impressed his manager.

"His standout trait is his personality," added Arbeloa. "He constantly demands the ball, and when pressed, he remains unfazed.

"I realize people are surprised to see him make his debut in a Champions League match, but he is selected because I had complete trust in him to perform what he usually does.

"He will continue to get opportunities with the first team. It's a pleasure to have a talent like him."

Spain or Morocco?

Born in a Madrid suburb, in the Spanish capital's community, and grew up fully immersed in the local game, progressing through local academies before joining Real Madrid's renowned La Fabrica system.

He holds dual Moroccan and Spanish citizenship, offering him the option to play for both nations at the highest level.

Under Fifa eligibility rules, players may appear for multiple nations at junior level without being permanently tied, with the final decision only final once they play in a competitive full international.

He has played for the Spanish national team at youth level, representing both the under-19 and U20 teams, and took part in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where La Roja reached the last eight.

Despite this, he has not yet decided to any senior national team, who are watching his rise with interest.

Speaking recently, Pitarch confirmed: "I haven't made my ultimate choice yet. My situation is positive with Spain, but I'll make a conclusion in the near future."

His situation echoes that of other dual nationality talents such as club colleague Brahim Diaz and Barcelona forward Yamal. Whereas teenage Yamal chose La Roja, Diaz opted to play for the Atlas Lions.

Focus on the Future

At present, Pitarch's focus is on establishing himself in the Real side and repaying Arbeloa's faith.

He played over an hour in the 2-1 win at the Etihad, which sealed a five-one overall triumph and a last-eight matchup with Bayern Munich.

He was replaced by another academy player in Manuel Angel to emphasise Arbeloa's trust in the next generation to aid the club chase future success.

After his notable contributions so far on European football's biggest stage, the midfielder is expected to be a central figure in that.

"Arbeloa treats me the identical way. We deal with it very normally. I attempt not to overanalyze it too much - I have to deserve my playing time on the pitch," he commented after the win at Etihad Stadium.