Why Real Madrid Have 'Complete Confidence' in Youngster Pitarch

Whenever a 18-year-old creates Real Madrid history in a key Champions League match against Manchester City, it naturally attracts acclaim and attention.

During his first start in the competition - and fifth appearance for the team - the young midfielder suitably impressed as the fifteen-time European champions claimed a three-nil round of 16 first-leg advantage at the Bernabeu.

The young player, who also had his Real debut in the qualifying round a few weeks prior with a substitute appearance at Benfica, then helped the Madrid side overcome the English champions in the midweek return to secure a quarter-final berth.

Aged 18 years old, the midfielder became the team's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League's latter rounds, surpassing Brazil forward Vinicius Jr's record by 10 days.

Rapid Ascent Through The Academy

This talent is the latest to emerge from the club's academy and is rapidly cementing himself as one of the manager's most promising protegees.

He joined Real from Leganes in the summer of 2023, having previously been with Atletico and Getafe's academies, and starting out for the under-19 side, where he quickly made a strong impression.

Pitarch worked his way up to the B team and it was in a friendly match in which they played against the academy's first team, then coached by Arbeloa, where the youngster is said to have drawn the eye of the present manager, who replaced the previous coach in January.

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

'His Greatest Quality Is His Character'

During the pre-season of 2025, ex-manager Xabi Alonso invited the youngster to train with the first team and gave him playing time in the warm-up matches.

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

"I've dreamed of this every night before going to bed, the very first time I began playing football, every day you head to training and every day you play a match," said Pitarch after his debut.

"I've just achieved my dream with the best team in the planet and in the top tournament."

Given a first start in the Spanish league against Getafe - where he was for several seasons after arriving from Atleti in 2018 - he has kept his spot for the following four as injuries to Jude Bellingham and Ceballos provided an opportunity.

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

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

Pitarch's mentality has also impressed his manager.

"His standout trait is his personality," continued Arbeloa. "He constantly demands 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 is selected because I had total trust in him to perform what he usually does.

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

Spain or Morocco?

Born in Fuenlabrada, in the Spanish capital's community, and was raised deeply involved in the local game, moving through local academies before joining the club's renowned La Fabrica system.

He possesses both Moroccan and Spanish citizenship, offering him the choice to represent both nations at senior international level.

According to Fifa eligibility rules, footballers may represent multiple nations at junior level without being locked in, with the final decision only binding once they appear in a official senior international match.

He has featured for the Spanish national team at youth level, turning out for both the under-19 and under-20 sides, and took part in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where Spain made it to the last eight.

Nevertheless, he has yet to commit to either senior national team, who are watching his progress with interest.

Speaking recently, the player said: "I have not taken my ultimate choice so far. Things are great with Spain, but I'll make a conclusion soon."

This scenario mirrors that of other bi-national talents such as Real team-mate Diaz and Barcelona forward Yamal. While teenage Yamal chose La Roja, Diaz opted to represent the Atlas Lions.

Focus on the Future

For now, his attention is on making his mark in the Real side and rewarding Arbeloa's faith.

He played 74 minutes in the 2-1 win at City, which completed a 5-1 overall triumph and a last-eight tie with Bayern Munich.

His substitution by another academy player in Angel to emphasise Arbeloa's trust in younger players to aid the club chase trophies to come.

After his impressive impact so far on the Champions League, the midfielder is tipped to be a central figure in that.

"The manager handles me the same. We handle it very naturally. I try not to overanalyze it too much - I have to deserve my minutes on the field," he said following the success at Manchester.