The Reason Real Madrid Have 'Total Faith' in Teenager Pitarch

Whenever a teenage creates Real Madrid history in a key European match against City, it inevitably draws acclaim and attention.

In only his maiden start in the competition - and fifth game for the club - the young midfielder suitably impressed as the 15-time European champions claimed a three-nil round of 16 first leg lead at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The teenager, who also had his Real debut in the qualifying round a month ago with a cameo off the bench at Sporting Lisbon, then helped the Madrid side defeat the English Premier League side in the midweek second leg to secure a quarter-final berth.

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 star Vinicius Jr's previous mark by a week and a half.

Rapid Ascent Through The Academy

This talent is the most recent to emerge from the club's academy and is rapidly cementing himself as one of the manager's most exciting young players.

He signed for Real from Leganes in the summer of 2023, having previously been with Atletico and Getafe's youth teams, 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 during a friendly match in which they faced the academy's first team, then coached by Arbeloa, where the teenager is said to have caught the attention of the present manager, who took over from Xabi Alonso in January.

Reports would later describe the moment as "love at first sight," noting Pitarch stood out not only for his technical ability, but for the energy, personality and determination he brought to the side.

'His Best Attribute Is His Personality'

In the pre-season of 2025, ex-manager Alonso invited the youngster to train with the senior squad and gave him minutes during pre-season.

However, it was the change in manager that proved the turning point in his career as he came on as a second-half replacement 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 first day I began playing the game, each day you head to training and each day you have a game," said the player after his debut.

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

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

Pitarch has taken it with displays that have belied his youth and experience.

"He is a extremely fast footballer, and you can see what he's capable of," said the coach. "He's extremely dynamic, with excellent endurance, effort and movement."

Pitarch's mentality has also impressed his coach.

"His greatest quality is his personality," continued Arbeloa. "He always wants the ball, and even under pressure, he remains unfazed.

"I understand people are surprised to watch him make his debut in a Champions League match, but he's playing because I had total confidence in him to perform what he usually does.

"He will keep receiving chances with the first team. It is delightful to have a player like him."

Spain or Morocco?

Pitarch was born in a Madrid suburb, in the Spanish capital's community, and was raised fully immersed in the local game, progressing through local academies before joining Real Madrid's famous La Fabrica system.

He possesses dual Moroccan and Spanish citizenship, giving him the option to play for either country at senior international level.

Under international regulations, players may appear for different countries at youth level without being locked in, with the ultimate choice only final once they play in a competitive full international.

Pitarch has played for the Spanish national team at youth level, turning out for both the under-19 and U20 sides, and took part in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where Spain reached the last eight.

Despite this, he has not yet decided to either senior national team, who are watching his progress with keen attention.

Speaking recently, Pitarch confirmed: "I haven't made my ultimate choice yet. Things are great with the Spanish federation, but I'll make a decision soon."

This scenario mirrors that of other bi-national players such as club colleague Diaz and Barca star Yamal. While teenage Yamal chose La Roja, Brahim opted to play for Morocco.

Focus on the Future

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

He featured for 74 minutes in the 2-1 win at City, which sealed a 5-1 overall triumph and a last-eight matchup with the German champions.

He was replaced by fellow youth graduate in Manuel Angel to emphasise the coach's confidence in younger players to aid the club chase trophies to come.

Following his notable contributions to date on European football's biggest stage, Pitarch is expected to be a central figure in that.

"The manager treats me the same. We handle it very normally. I attempt not to think about it too much - I have to earn my minutes on the pitch," he commented after the success at Etihad Stadium.