The Reason Los Blancos Possess 'Complete Confidence' in Youngster Pitarch

Whenever a 18-year-old creates club a historic moment in a pivotal Champions League tie against City, it inevitably draws acclaim and the spotlight.

During his maiden start in the competition - and fifth appearance for the club - the young midfielder made a strong impression as the 15-time European champions secured a 3-0 last-16 first leg advantage at the Bernabeu.

The teenager, who also made his club debut in the qualifying round a few weeks prior with a cameo off the bench at Sporting Lisbon, then helped Los Blancos overcome the English Premier League side in the midweek second leg to secure a quarter-final berth.

At 18 years old, the midfielder was the team's most youthful starter to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, surpassing Brazil forward Vini Jr's previous mark by 10 days.

Rapid Ascent Through La Fabrica

The midfielder is the most recent to emerge from the club's academy and is rapidly cementing himself as one of the manager's most promising young players.

He joined Real from Leganes in 2023, having previously been with Atletico and Getafe academies, and starting out for the under-19 side, where he quickly made a strong impression.

He worked his way up to the B team and it was in a friendly match in which they faced the senior squad, then coached by Arbeloa, where the teenager is said to have caught the attention of the current Real boss, who took over from the previous coach 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 energy, character and drive he added to the team.

'His Best Attribute Is His Character'

During the summer of 2025, ex-manager Xabi Alonso called up Pitarch to practice with the first team and gave him playing time in the warm-up matches.

Yet, it was Arbeloa's appointment that proved the turning point in his career as he was introduced as a second-half replacement in each leg against the Portuguese side that set up the meeting with Manchester City.

"I have dreamed of this every night before going to bed, the very first time I started playing the game, every day you head to training and every day you have a game," stated the player after his first appearance.

"I have just achieved my ambition with the greatest club in the world and in the top tournament."

Given a starting debut in the Spanish league against Getafe - where he spent several seasons after arriving from Atleti in 2018 - he has kept his place for the following four as injuries to Jude Bellingham and Ceballos created an opportunity.

Pitarch has seized it with performances that have defied his youth and experience.

"He's a very quick footballer, and you can see what he's capable of," remarked the coach. "He is incredibly dynamic, with great stamina, work-rate and movement."

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

"His standout trait is his personality," added Arbeloa. "He constantly demands the possession, and even under pressure, he doesn't feel it.

"I realize fans might be surprised to watch him start in a European fixture, but he is selected because I had complete confidence in him to perform what he usually does.

"He will keep receiving opportunities with the first team. It's a pleasure to coach a player like him."

A Future International Decision

Born in a Madrid suburb, in the Spanish capital's community, and grew up deeply involved in Spanish football, moving through local academies before entering Real Madrid's famous youth academy.

He holds both Moroccan and Spanish nationality, giving him the option to represent either country at the highest level.

According to Fifa eligibility rules, players may appear for multiple nations at junior level without being locked in, with the final decision only final once they appear in a competitive full international.

Pitarch has featured for Spain at underage levels, representing both the U19 and under-20 sides, and took part in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where Spain reached the quarter-finals.

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

In a recent interview, Pitarch said: "I have not taken my ultimate choice yet. Things are positive with Spain, but I will reach a decision soon."

His situation mirrors that of other dual nationality players such as Real team-mate Brahim Diaz and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal. While 18-year-old Lamine chose La Roja, Diaz decided to play for Morocco.

Eyes on the Prize

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

He featured for over an hour in the two-one win at the Etihad, which completed a 5-1 aggregate success and a quarter-final tie with Bayern Munich.

His substitution by another academy player in Manuel Angel to emphasise Arbeloa's trust in the next generation to help the team chase trophies to come.

Following his notable contributions to date on the Champions League, the midfielder is tipped to be a central figure in that.

"The manager handles me the same. We deal with it very normally. I try not to think about it too much - I must deserve my playing time on the pitch," he said after the success at Manchester.