The Reason Real Madrid Have 'Complete Faith' in Youngster Pitarch

Whenever a 18-year-old makes Real Madrid a historic moment in a key Champions League tie against City, it naturally attracts praise and attention.

In only his maiden start in the competition - and fifth game for the team - the young midfielder suitably impressed as the fifteen-time European champions secured a 3-0 last-16 first-leg advantage at the Bernabeu.

The teenager, who also had his Real debut in the play-off round a month ago with a cameo off the bench at Sporting Lisbon, then assisted the Madrid side overcome the English Premier League side in Tuesday's second leg to secure a last eight berth.

Aged 18 years and 226 days, Pitarch was the team's youngest player to begin two matches in the Champions League knockout stages, surpassing Brazil forward Vinicius Jr's previous mark by a week and a half.

Rapid Ascent From La Fabrica

The midfielder is the most recent to emerge from the famed youth system and is rapidly cementing himself as one of the manager's most exciting protegees.

He signed for Madrid from Leganes in the summer of 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico and Getafe's youth teams, and initially featuring for the under-19 side, where he rapidly created a strong impression.

He worked his way up to the B team and it was during a pre-season game in which they played against the senior squad, then managed by Arbeloa, where the teenager is said to have caught the attention of the current Real boss, who took over from Xabi Alonso in the new year.

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

'His Best Attribute Remains His Character'

In the pre-season of 2025, former boss Alonso called up the youngster to train with the first team and awarded him playing time in the warm-up matches.

However, it was the change in manager that proved the turning point in his development as he was introduced as a late substitute in each leg against Benfica that set up the clash with Pep Guardiola's team.

"I've dreamed of this each night before going to bed, the first day I began playing football, each day you go to train and every day you have a game," said Pitarch following his first appearance.

"I've just achieved my dream with the best team in the world and in the best competition."

Given a first start in the Spanish league against Getafe - where he was for several seasons after moving from Atletico in 2018 - he has retained his spot for the next four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Dani Ceballos created an opportunity.

The teenager has taken it with performances that have belied his youth and inexperience.

"He's a extremely fast footballer, and you can observe what he's capable of," said Arbeloa. "He is extremely energetic, with great endurance, work-rate and mobility."

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

"His greatest quality is his character," continued Arbeloa. "He always wants the ball, and even under pressure, he remains unfazed.

"I realize people are astonished to see him make his debut in a European fixture, but he's playing because I had total trust in him to perform what he usually does.

"He will keep receiving opportunities with the first team. It is delightful to coach a player like him."

Spain or Morocco?

Born in a Madrid suburb, in the Madrid region, and was raised deeply involved in the local game, progressing through youth setups before joining the club's famous La Fabrica system.

He possesses dual Spanish and Moroccan citizenship, giving him the option to represent either country at senior international level.

According to international regulations, players may represent different countries at junior level without being locked in, with the final decision only final once they appear in a competitive senior international match.

Pitarch has featured for Spain 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.

Despite this, he has yet to commit to any senior national team, who are watching his rise with keen attention.

In a recent interview, Pitarch said: "I haven't made my ultimate choice so far. My situation is great with Spain, but I'll make a conclusion in the near future."

His situation mirrors that of other dual nationality talents such as club colleague Diaz and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal. Whereas 18-year-old Lamine opted for Spain, Brahim decided to represent the Atlas Lions.

Focus on the Future

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

He featured for 74 minutes in the two-one win at City, which sealed a 5-1 overall triumph and a last-eight tie with the German champions.

His substitution by another academy player in Angel to emphasise the coach's confidence in the next generation to help the team pursue future success.

Following his notable contributions to date on the Champions League, Pitarch is expected to play a key role in that.

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