Why Los Blancos Possess 'Total Trust' in Youngster Pitarch

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

During his maiden start in the tournament - and fifth appearance for the club - the young midfielder made a strong impression as the 15-time Champions League winners claimed a 3-0 last-16 first leg advantage at the Bernabeu.

The young player, who also made his club debut in the play-off round a few weeks prior with a substitute appearance at Benfica, then assisted the Madrid side defeat 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 club's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League's latter rounds, surpassing star Vini Jr's previous mark by a week and a half.

Rapid Ascent Through The Academy

The midfielder is the latest to emerge from the famed youth system and is quickly establishing himself as one of the manager's most exciting young players.

He signed for Madrid from CD Leganes in 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico and Getafe youth teams, and initially featuring for the Juvenil C team, where he rapidly created a strong impression.

He worked his way up to the reserve side and it was in a pre-season game in which they played against the academy's first team, then managed by the former defender, where the youngster is said to have caught the attention of the current Real boss, who took over from Xabi Alonso in January.

Reports would later describe the moment as "love at first sight," noting he stood out not only for his skill on the ball, but for the vitality, personality and drive he added to the side.

'His Best Attribute Is His Character'

During the pre-season of 2025, former boss Alonso invited Pitarch to practice with the senior squad and gave him playing time during pre-season.

However, it was Arbeloa's appointment that proved the turning point in his development as he came on as a second-half replacement in both ties against Benfica that set up the meeting with Manchester City.

"I've dreamed of this every night when sleeping, the first day I started playing the game, each day you go to train and every day you have a game," stated Pitarch following his debut.

"I've just achieved my ambition with the best team in the planet and in the best competition."

Given a starting debut in the Spanish league against his former club - where he spent four years after arriving from Atleti in 2018 - he has kept his place for the following four as injuries to Bellingham and Dani Ceballos provided an opening.

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

"He is a very quick footballer, and you can observe what he's capable of," said Arbeloa. "He is extremely dynamic, with great stamina, effort and mobility."

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

"His standout trait is his character," added he. "He constantly demands the possession, and even under pressure, he doesn't feel it.

"I realize fans might be surprised to see him make his debut in a European fixture, but he is selected because I had complete trust in him to do what he usually does.

"He will continue to get chances with the main squad. It's a pleasure to coach a player like him."

Spain or Morocco?

Pitarch was born in Fuenlabrada, in the Madrid region, and was raised fully immersed in Spanish football, progressing through local academies before joining the club's renowned youth academy.

He possesses dual Moroccan and Spanish nationality, giving him the choice to play for both nations at senior international level.

Under international regulations, players may represent multiple nations at junior level without being permanently tied, with the ultimate choice only final once they appear in a competitive senior international match.

He has featured for the Spanish national team at underage levels, representing both the U19 and under-20 sides, and took part in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where Spain made it to the last eight.

Nevertheless, he has not yet decided to either full national side, who are watching his rise with keen attention.

Speaking recently, Pitarch said: "I haven't made my ultimate choice so far. Things are great with Spain, but I'll make a decision soon."

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

Eyes on the Prize

At present, his attention is on establishing himself in the Real side and rewarding Arbeloa's faith.

He played 74 minutes in the 2-1 victory at the Etihad, which completed a 5-1 overall triumph and a quarter-final matchup with Bayern Munich.

His substitution by another academy player in Manuel Angel to emphasise the coach's confidence in the next generation to aid the club pursue trophies to come.

Following his impressive impact so far on European football's biggest stage, the midfielder is tipped to play a key role in that.

"Arbeloa treats me the identical way. We handle it very normally. I attempt not to overanalyze it excessively - I have to earn my minutes on the pitch," he said after the success at Etihad Stadium.