Why Real Madrid Possess 'Utter Faith' in Teenager Pitarch

Whenever a 18-year-old creates Real Madrid history in a pivotal European match against City, it inevitably draws praise and attention.

During his maiden start in the tournament - and fifth appearance for the team - the young midfielder suitably impressed as the 15-time Champions League winners secured a three-nil last-16 first leg advantage at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The teenager, who also made his club debut in the play-off round a few weeks prior with a cameo off the bench at Sporting Lisbon, then assisted the Madrid side defeat the English champions in the midweek return to confirm a quarter-final berth.

Aged 18 years and 226 days, Pitarch was the team's youngest player to begin two matches in the Champions League's latter rounds, beating Brazil forward Vini Jr's previous mark by a week and a half.

Rapid Ascent From La Fabrica

This talent is the most recent to come through from the club's academy and is quickly establishing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most exciting protegees.

He joined Real from CD Leganes in 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico Madrid and Getafe academies, and starting out for the Juvenil C team, 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 played against the senior squad, then coached by Arbeloa, where the youngster is said to have caught the attention of the present manager, who replaced Xabi Alonso in the new year.

Spanish media would later describe the moment as "love at first sight," noting Pitarch excelled not only for his technical ability, but for the energy, character and determination he brought to the side.

'His Greatest Quality Remains His Personality'

During the pre-season of 2025, ex-manager Alonso called up the youngster to practice with the first team and gave him playing time in pre-season.

Yet, it was the change in manager that proved the defining moment in his career as he was introduced as a late substitute in each leg against the Portuguese side that set up the clash with Manchester City.

"I've dreamed of this each night when sleeping, the first day I began playing the game, every day you head to training and each day you play a match," said the player after his debut.

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

Handed a starting debut in La Liga against his former club - where he spent four years after arriving from Atletico in 2018 - he has retained his spot for the following four as injuries to Jude Bellingham and Ceballos created an opportunity.

The teenager has seized it with performances that have defied his age and experience.

"He's a extremely fast player, and you can observe what he's capable of," remarked Arbeloa. "He is incredibly energetic, with great endurance, effort and mobility."

The player's mindset has also stood out to his manager.

"His standout trait is his personality," continued 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 trust in him to perform his normal game.

"He will continue to get opportunities with the main squad. It is delightful to have a talent like him."

A Future International Decision

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 the club's famous La Fabrica system.

He possesses both Moroccan and Spanish citizenship, offering him the option to represent either country at the highest level.

According to international regulations, players may represent different countries at junior level without being locked in, with the final decision only final once they play in a competitive full international.

Pitarch has played for the Spanish national team at youth level, representing both the under-19 and under-20 teams, and took part in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where Spain made it to the last eight.

Despite this, he has not yet decided to any senior national team, who are monitoring his rise with interest.

Speaking recently, the player confirmed: "I haven't made my final decision so far. My situation is great with the Spanish federation, but I will reach a decision soon."

His situation mirrors that of other bi-national talents such as club colleague Brahim Diaz and Barcelona forward Yamal. While 18-year-old Yamal opted for Spain, Diaz decided to represent the Atlas Lions.

Eyes on the Prize

At present, his attention is on making his mark in the Madrid lineup and repaying his manager's belief.

He played 74 minutes in the two-one victory at City, which sealed a five-one aggregate success and a quarter-final tie with the German champions.

His substitution by another academy player in Angel to emphasise the coach's confidence in the next generation to help the club pursue future success.

Following his notable contributions so far on the Champions League, the midfielder is expected to be a central figure in that.

"The manager treats me the identical way. We deal with it very naturally. I attempt not to overanalyze it too much - I have to deserve my minutes on the field," he said following the win at Manchester.