Why Los Blancos Have 'Total Trust' in Teenager Pitarch

Whenever a teenage makes club history in a key European match against Manchester City, it naturally attracts praise and attention.

During his first start in the competition - and fifth appearance for the team - the young midfielder made a strong impression as the fifteen-time Champions League winners claimed a 3-0 round of 16 first-leg advantage at the Bernabeu.

The young player, who also made his club debut in the qualifying round a few weeks prior with a cameo off the bench at Benfica, then assisted the Madrid side overcome the English champions in the midweek second leg to confirm a quarter-final place.

At 18 years old, the midfielder was the club's most youthful starter to begin two matches in the Champions League's latter rounds, surpassing Brazil forward Vinicius Jr's record by a week and a half.

A Meteoric Rise From La Fabrica

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

He signed for Real from Leganes in 2023, having previously been with Atletico and Getafe's youth teams, and initially featuring for the Juvenil C team, where he quickly made a strong impression.

He worked his way up to the reserve side and it was during a pre-season game in which they faced the senior squad, then coached by Arbeloa, where the teenager is said to have drawn the eye of the current Real boss, who took over from the previous coach in the new year.

Spanish media would later describe the moment as "love at first sight," adding he stood out not only for his skill on the ball, but for the vitality, personality and drive he brought to the team.

'His Best Attribute Is His Personality'

In the pre-season of 2025, former boss Xabi Alonso invited the youngster to practice with the first team and gave him minutes during the warm-up matches.

Yet, it was Arbeloa's appointment that proved the turning point in his career as he was introduced as a late substitute in both ties against the Portuguese side that led to the clash with Pep Guardiola's team.

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

"I have just fulfilled my dream with the best team in the world and in the top tournament."

Handed a starting debut in La Liga against his former club - where he was for four years after arriving from Atleti in 2018 - he has kept his place for the following four as injuries to Jude Bellingham and Ceballos provided an opening.

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

"He's a very quick footballer, and you can observe what he's capable of," remarked Arbeloa. "He's incredibly dynamic, with excellent endurance, work-rate and movement."

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

"His greatest quality is his personality," continued he. "He always wants the ball, and even under pressure, he doesn't feel it.

"I realize fans might be astonished to watch him make his debut in a European fixture, but he is selected because I had complete confidence in him to perform what he usually does.

"He will continue to get opportunities with the first team. It is delightful to have a talent like him."

Spain or Morocco?

Born in Fuenlabrada, in the Madrid region, and was raised fully immersed in the local game, moving through local academies before joining the club's famous youth academy.

He holds both Spanish and Moroccan citizenship, giving him the choice to play for either country at senior international level.

Under Fifa eligibility rules, footballers may represent multiple nations at youth level without being locked in, with the ultimate choice only final once they play in a official full international.

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

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

In a recent interview, Pitarch said: "I haven't made my final decision so far. Things are positive with Spain, but I'll make a decision soon."

This scenario mirrors that of other dual nationality talents such as club colleague Diaz and Barca star Yamal. Whereas 18-year-old Yamal chose La Roja, Brahim decided to play for the Atlas Lions.

Eyes on the Prize

At present, his attention is on making his mark in the Real side and repaying Arbeloa's faith.

He featured for 74 minutes in the 2-1 win at the Etihad, which sealed a five-one overall triumph and a last-eight matchup with the German champions.

His substitution by another academy player in Angel to emphasise the coach's confidence in younger players to help the club chase future success.

After his notable contributions so far on the Champions League, Pitarch is expected to play a key role in that.

"The manager treats me the identical way. We deal with it very normally. I attempt not to think about it excessively - I must deserve my playing time on the pitch," he said following the win at Etihad Stadium.