Why Real Madrid Have 'Complete Faith' in Youngster Pitarch

Whenever a teenage makes club a historic moment in a pivotal European tie against City, it inevitably draws acclaim and attention.

During his first start in the tournament - and fifth game for the team - the young midfielder made a strong impression as the 15-time Champions League winners claimed a three-nil round of 16 first-leg advantage at the Bernabeu.

The teenager, who also made his club debut in the play-off round a few weeks prior with a substitute appearance at Benfica, then helped Los Blancos defeat the English Premier League side in the midweek second leg to confirm a quarter-final place.

Aged 18 years old, the midfielder was the club's youngest player to begin two matches in the Champions League knockout stages, surpassing star Vini Jr's record by a week and a half.

Rapid Ascent Through La Fabrica

The midfielder is the latest to emerge from the club's academy and is rapidly cementing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most promising protegees.

He signed for Madrid from CD Leganes in the summer of 2023, having previously been with Atletico and Getafe's youth teams, and initially featuring for the Juvenil C team, where he rapidly created a positive impact.

He worked his way up to the reserve side and it was in a friendly match in which they faced the academy's first team, then coached by the former defender, where the teenager is said to have caught the attention of the current Real boss, who replaced Xabi Alonso in the new year.

Reports would later describe the moment as "love at first sight," noting he excelled not only for his skill on the ball, but for the vitality, personality and determination he brought to the team.

'His Best Attribute Remains His Personality'

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

However, it was the change in manager that became the turning point in his development as he came on as a late substitute in each leg against Benfica that led to the clash with Manchester City.

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

"I've just fulfilled my dream with the best team in the world and in the best competition."

Handed a first start in La Liga against his former club - where he spent several seasons after arriving from Atleti in 2018 - he has kept his place for the following four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Dani 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 see what he's capable of," remarked the coach. "He's extremely dynamic, with excellent endurance, effort and mobility."

The player's mindset has also impressed his coach.

"His greatest quality is his personality," continued he. "He always wants the possession, and when pressed, he remains unfazed.

"I realize fans might be astonished to watch him start in a European fixture, but he is selected because I had complete confidence in him to do his normal game.

"He will keep receiving chances with the first team. It's a pleasure to have a talent like him."

Spain or Morocco?

Pitarch was born in Fuenlabrada, in the Spanish capital's community, and was raised deeply involved in the local game, progressing through youth setups before joining Real Madrid's renowned La Fabrica system.

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

Under international regulations, players may appear for multiple nations at junior level without being permanently tied, with the ultimate choice only final once they play in a competitive full international.

He has played for the Spanish national team at underage levels, turning out for both the under-19 and under-20 teams, and participated in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where Spain made it to the quarter-finals.

Nevertheless, he has yet to commit to any full national side, who are watching his progress with interest.

Speaking recently, Pitarch said: "I have not taken my final decision so far. My situation is positive with the Spanish federation, but I'll make a conclusion soon."

His situation mirrors that of other bi-national talents such as Real team-mate Brahim Diaz and Barca star Yamal. While 18-year-old Yamal chose La Roja, Brahim opted to represent the Atlas Lions.

Focus on the Future

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

He played over an hour in the two-one victory at the Etihad, which completed a 5-1 overall triumph and a quarter-final tie with the German champions.

He was replaced by another academy player in Manuel Angel underscored Arbeloa's trust in the next generation to aid the team pursue future success.

After his impressive impact 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 try not to think about it too much - I have to earn my minutes on the pitch," he said after the win at Manchester.