The Reason Los Blancos Have 'Utter Confidence' in Teenager Pitarch

When an 18-year-old creates club a historic moment in a key Champions League match against Manchester City, it naturally attracts acclaim and attention.

In only his maiden start in the competition - and fifth appearance for the team - the young midfielder suitably impressed as the 15-time European champions claimed a 3-0 last-16 first-leg advantage at the Bernabeu.

The teenager, who also had his club debut in the play-off round a few weeks prior with a cameo off the bench at Benfica, then assisted the Madrid side overcome the English champions in Tuesday's second leg to secure a quarter-final place.

At 18 years old, the midfielder became the team's youngest player to begin two matches in the Champions League's latter rounds, beating Brazil forward Vini Jr's record by a week and a half.

A Meteoric Rise Through The Academy

The midfielder is the latest to emerge from the famed youth system 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 and Getafe's youth teams, and starting out for the Juvenil C team, where he quickly made a strong impression.

Pitarch progressed to the reserve side and it was during a friendly match in which they faced the senior squad, then managed by Arbeloa, where the teenager is said to have drawn the eye of the present manager, who took over from Xabi Alonso in the new year.

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

'His Greatest Quality Remains His Character'

During the summer of 2025, ex-manager Alonso invited Pitarch to train with the senior squad and gave him minutes during the warm-up matches.

Yet, it was the change in manager that became 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 Manchester City.

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

"I have just achieved my ambition with the greatest club in the planet and in the best competition."

Given a first start in La Liga against Getafe - where he spent several seasons after arriving from Atleti in 2018 - he has retained his spot for the next four as fitness issues to Bellingham and Dani Ceballos created an opening.

Pitarch has seized it with performances that have defied his age and inexperience.

"He is a very quick player, and you can observe his capabilities," said the coach. "He is extremely dynamic, with excellent stamina, effort and mobility."

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

"His standout trait is his personality," added Arbeloa. "He always wants the ball, 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 confidence in him to do his normal game.

"He will keep receiving chances with the main squad. It's a pleasure to have a player like him."

Spain or Morocco?

Born in Fuenlabrada, in the Madrid region, and grew up deeply involved in Spanish football, moving through youth setups before joining the club's famous La Fabrica system.

He possesses both Spanish and Moroccan citizenship, giving him the option to play for both nations at the highest level.

Under Fifa eligibility rules, players may appear for different countries at junior level without being permanently tied, with the ultimate choice only binding once they play in a official senior international match.

He has featured for Spain at underage levels, turning out for both the under-19 and U20 teams, and participated in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where Spain made it to the last eight.

Despite this, he has yet to commit to either senior national team, who are monitoring his rise with interest.

In a recent interview, the player said: "I have not taken my final decision yet. My situation is positive with the Spanish federation, but I will reach a decision in the near future."

His situation echoes that of other dual nationality talents such as club colleague Diaz and Barca star Yamal. While 18-year-old Yamal opted for La Roja, Diaz opted to represent the Atlas Lions.

Focus on the Future

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

He played over an hour in the 2-1 victory at the Etihad, which sealed a 5-1 overall triumph and a last-eight tie with Bayern Munich.

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.

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

"Arbeloa treats me the same. We deal with it very normally. I attempt not to overanalyze it too much - I must deserve my minutes on the pitch," he said following the win at Etihad Stadium.