The Reason Los Blancos Possess 'Total Confidence' in Teenager Pitarch

When an 18-year-old creates club history in a pivotal European tie against Manchester City, it naturally attracts acclaim and the spotlight.

During his maiden start in the tournament - and fifth appearance for the team - the young midfielder made a strong impression as the 15-time Champions League winners secured a 3-0 last-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 Sporting Lisbon, then assisted Los Blancos defeat the English Premier League side in Tuesday's return to confirm a quarter-final place.

Aged 18 years old, the midfielder became the club's most youthful starter to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, beating star Vinicius Jr's record by 10 days.

A Meteoric Rise Through The Academy

The midfielder is the most recent to emerge from the club's academy and is quickly establishing himself as one of the manager's most exciting protegees.

He signed for Madrid from Leganes in 2023, having previously been with Atletico and Getafe youth teams, and initially featuring for the Juvenil C team, where he quickly made a positive impact.

He worked his way up to the reserve side and it was in a friendly match in which they faced the senior squad, then managed by Arbeloa, where the youngster is said to have drawn the eye of the current Real boss, who took over from the previous coach in the new year.

Reports would later describe the moment as "an instant connection," noting he stood out not only for his technical ability, but for the energy, personality and drive he added to the side.

'His Best Attribute Remains His Personality'

During the pre-season of 2025, ex-manager Xabi Alonso invited the youngster to practice with the senior squad and awarded him minutes during pre-season.

Yet, it was the change in manager that became the defining moment in his career as he was introduced as a late substitute in each leg against Benfica that led to the clash with Manchester City.

"I've dreamed of this each night before going to bed, the very first time I started playing the game, every day you head to training and every day you play a match," stated the player following his first appearance.

"I've just fulfilled my dream with the greatest club in the planet and in the best competition."

Handed a first start in the Spanish league against Getafe - where he spent several seasons after moving from Atletico in 2018 - he has retained his place for the following four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Ceballos created an opening.

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

"He is a very quick player, and you can see his capabilities," said Arbeloa. "He is extremely dynamic, with excellent endurance, work-rate and movement."

Pitarch's mentality has also impressed his manager.

"His greatest quality is his personality," added Arbeloa. "He constantly demands the ball, and even under pressure, he doesn't feel it.

"I realize people are astonished to see him start in a Champions League match, but he's playing because I had total 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?

Pitarch was born in Fuenlabrada, in the Spanish capital's community, and grew up deeply involved in the local game, moving through local academies before entering the club's renowned La Fabrica system.

He possesses both Moroccan and Spanish citizenship, offering him the choice to play for either country at the highest level.

Under Fifa eligibility rules, footballers may appear for multiple nations at junior level without being locked in, with the ultimate choice only final once they play in a competitive senior international match.

Pitarch has played for Spain at underage levels, representing both the under-19 and under-20 teams, and took part in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where La Roja made it to the quarter-finals.

Nevertheless, he has not yet decided to either full national side, who are monitoring his rise with interest.

Speaking recently, Pitarch said: "I haven't made my ultimate choice yet. My situation is positive with Spain, but I will reach a decision in the near future."

This scenario mirrors that of other bi-national talents such as club colleague Brahim Diaz and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal. Whereas 18-year-old Yamal opted for Spain, Brahim decided to play for the Atlas Lions.

Eyes on the Prize

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

He featured for over an hour in the two-one win at City, which completed a five-one aggregate success and a quarter-final matchup with the German champions.

His substitution by fellow youth graduate in Angel underscored Arbeloa's trust in younger players to aid the club pursue trophies to come.

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

"Arbeloa handles me the same. We deal with it very normally. I attempt not to overanalyze it too much - I have to deserve my minutes on the field," he commented after the win at Manchester.