Why Real Madrid Possess 'Complete Confidence' in Teenager Pitarch

Whenever a 18-year-old creates club history in a crucial European tie against Manchester City, it naturally attracts praise and attention.

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

The young player, who also made his Real 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 champions in Tuesday's return to secure a last eight berth.

Aged 18 years old, the midfielder became the team's most youthful starter to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, beating Brazil forward Vinicius Jr's previous mark by a week and a half.

A Meteoric Rise From The Academy

The midfielder is the latest to come through from the club's academy and is rapidly cementing himself as one of the manager's most promising protegees.

He joined Madrid from CD Leganes in the summer of 2023, having previously been with Atletico and Getafe's academies, and initially featuring for the Juvenil C team, where he quickly made a strong impression.

He worked his way up to the B team and it was in a pre-season game in which they played against the academy's first team, then coached by Arbeloa, where the youngster is said to have drawn the eye of the current Real boss, who replaced Xabi Alonso in the new year.

Reports would later describe the moment as "an instant connection," noting he stood out not only for his technical ability, but for the energy, personality and determination he added to the team.

'His Best Attribute Remains His Personality'

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

However, it was Arbeloa's appointment that proved the turning point in his career as he came on as a late substitute in both ties against the Portuguese side that set up the clash with Manchester City.

"I've dreamed of this each night before going to bed, the first day I started playing the game, every day you go to train and every day you have a game," stated Pitarch after his debut.

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

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 Dani Ceballos provided an opportunity.

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

"He's a extremely fast player, and you can see what he's capable of," said Arbeloa. "He is incredibly dynamic, with excellent endurance, work-rate and mobility."

Pitarch's mentality has also stood out to his manager.

"His greatest quality is his personality," added he. "He constantly demands the possession, and when pressed, he doesn't feel it.

"I understand fans might be astonished to see him start in a European fixture, but he is selected because I had total confidence in him to do 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 was raised deeply involved in Spanish football, progressing through youth setups before entering the club's renowned La Fabrica system.

He holds both Moroccan and Spanish nationality, giving him the choice to play for both nations at the highest level.

According to international regulations, footballers may appear for multiple nations at youth level without being locked in, with the final decision only binding once they play in a official full international.

Pitarch has featured for Spain at underage levels, representing both the under-19 and under-20 sides, and participated in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where Spain reached the quarter-finals.

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

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

This scenario mirrors that of other bi-national players such as club colleague Diaz and Barcelona forward Yamal. While teenage Lamine chose Spain, Diaz decided to play for Morocco.

Focus on the Future

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

He featured for 74 minutes in the two-one win at the Etihad, which completed a 5-1 aggregate success and a quarter-final matchup with Bayern Munich.

His substitution by another academy player in Angel to emphasise Arbeloa's trust in the next generation to aid the club pursue trophies to come.

Following his notable contributions so far on European football's biggest stage, the midfielder is tipped to play a key role in that.

"Arbeloa handles me the same. We handle it very normally. I try not to overanalyze it excessively - I have to earn my playing time on the pitch," he commented after the win at Etihad Stadium.