The Reason Real Madrid Have 'Total Faith' in Youngster Pitarch
Whenever a teenage makes Real Madrid a historic moment in a crucial European match against Manchester City, it naturally attracts praise and the spotlight.
In only his maiden start in the competition - and fifth appearance for the club - the young midfielder suitably impressed as the 15-time Champions League winners claimed a 3-0 last-16 first-leg advantage at the Bernabeu.
The young player, who also had his club debut in the play-off round a few weeks prior with a cameo off the bench at Benfica, then assisted Los Blancos defeat the English Premier League side in the midweek return to secure a last eight berth.
Aged 18 years and 226 days, the midfielder became the club's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League's latter rounds, beating Brazil forward Vinicius Jr's previous mark by a week and a half.
A Meteoric Rise Through The Academy
This talent is the most recent to emerge from the club's academy and is quickly establishing himself as one of the manager's most promising protegees.
He signed for Real from CD Leganes in 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico Madrid and Getafe academies, and starting out for the under-19 side, where he quickly made a positive impact.
Pitarch worked his way up to the reserve side and it was in a friendly match in which they faced the senior squad, then coached by the former defender, where the youngster is said to have drawn the eye of the present manager, who took over from the previous coach in the new year.
Spanish media would later label the moment as "an instant connection," adding Pitarch stood out not only for his skill on the ball, but for the vitality, personality and drive he added to the team.
'His Best Attribute Remains His Personality'
During the summer of 2025, ex-manager Alonso called up the youngster to practice with the senior squad and gave him minutes in the warm-up matches.
Yet, it was the change in manager that became the defining moment in his development as he came on as a second-half replacement in both ties against the Portuguese side that led to the meeting with Manchester City.
"I've dreamed of this each night when sleeping, the very first time I began playing the game, each day you go to train and each day you have a game," said the player after his first appearance.
"I've just achieved my ambition with the greatest club in the world and in the top tournament."
Given a first start in La Liga against Getafe - where he was for four years after moving from Atleti in 2018 - he has kept his place for the following four as fitness issues to Bellingham and Ceballos provided an opening.
The teenager has seized it with performances that have defied his youth and experience.
"He's a very quick footballer, and you can observe what he's capable of," said the coach. "He's incredibly energetic, with excellent endurance, effort and mobility."
Pitarch's mentality has also stood out to his coach.
"His greatest quality is his character," continued Arbeloa. "He always wants the ball, and even under pressure, he doesn't feel it.
"I understand fans might be surprised to see him make his debut in a European fixture, but he's playing because I had complete confidence in him to perform his normal game.
"He will continue to get chances with the main squad. It's a pleasure to have a player like him."
Spain or Morocco?
Born in Fuenlabrada, in the Spanish capital's community, and was raised fully immersed in the local game, progressing through local academies before entering Real Madrid's famous youth academy.
He holds both Spanish and Moroccan nationality, giving him the choice to represent both nations at the highest level.
Under Fifa eligibility rules, footballers may appear for different countries at junior level without being permanently tied, with the final decision only final once they play in a competitive senior international match.
Pitarch has featured for Spain at underage levels, representing both the under-19 and under-20 sides, and took part in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where La Roja reached the quarter-finals.
Nevertheless, he has not yet decided to either senior national team, who are monitoring his progress with keen attention.
In a recent interview, Pitarch confirmed: "I haven't made my final decision so far. Things are great with Spain, but I will reach a decision soon."
His situation mirrors that of other bi-national talents such as club colleague Diaz and Barca star Lamine Yamal. Whereas teenage Lamine chose La Roja, Diaz decided to represent Morocco.
Focus on the Future
At present, Pitarch's focus is on making his mark in the Real side and rewarding Arbeloa's faith.
He played over an hour in the two-one victory at the Etihad, which sealed a five-one overall triumph and a last-eight tie with Bayern Munich.
He was replaced by another academy player in Manuel Angel underscored the coach's confidence in the next generation to help the team chase future success.
After his impressive impact to date on European football's biggest stage, the midfielder is expected to be a central figure in that.
"Arbeloa handles me the identical way. We deal with it very naturally. I try not to think about it too much - I have to deserve my minutes on the pitch," he commented following the success at Manchester.
