The Reason Real Madrid Possess 'Total Confidence' in Teenager Pitarch

Whenever a 18-year-old creates club a historic moment in a crucial European tie against City, it naturally attracts acclaim and the spotlight.

During his first start in the tournament - and fifth game for the team - the young midfielder suitably impressed as the fifteen-time European champions secured a three-nil round of 16 first-leg lead at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The teenager, who also had his Real debut in the qualifying round a few weeks prior with a cameo off the bench at Benfica, then assisted Los Blancos overcome the English Premier League side in the midweek return to secure a quarter-final berth.

At 18 years old, the midfielder was the club's youngest player to begin two matches in the Champions League's latter rounds, beating star Vini Jr's record by a week and a half.

Rapid Ascent Through La Fabrica

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

He signed for Madrid from Leganes in 2023, having previously been with Atletico Madrid and Getafe academies, and initially featuring for the Juvenil C team, where he rapidly created a strong impression.

He progressed to the B team and it was in a pre-season game in which they faced the senior squad, then coached by Arbeloa, where the teenager is said to have caught the attention of the present manager, who replaced Xabi Alonso in January.

Spanish media would later describe the moment as "an instant connection," adding he excelled not only for his technical ability, but for the energy, character and determination he added to the side.

'His Best Attribute Remains His Personality'

During the summer of 2025, former boss Xabi Alonso invited Pitarch to practice with the first team and gave him minutes during the warm-up matches.

However, it was Arbeloa's appointment that became the turning point in his career as he came on as a second-half replacement in both ties against the Portuguese side that set up the clash with Pep Guardiola's team.

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

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

Given a starting debut in the Spanish league against his former club - where he spent four years after arriving from Atleti in 2018 - he has kept his spot for the following four as fitness issues to Bellingham and Ceballos provided an opening.

The teenager has taken it with performances that have belied his youth and experience.

"He is a extremely fast player, and you can observe what he's capable of," said Arbeloa. "He is extremely energetic, with excellent stamina, work-rate and movement."

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

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

"I understand fans might be surprised to see him start in a Champions League match, but he's playing because I had total confidence in him to perform his normal game.

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

Spain or Morocco?

Pitarch was born in a Madrid suburb, in the Madrid region, and grew up deeply involved in Spanish football, progressing through local academies before entering the club's renowned La Fabrica system.

He possesses both Spanish and Moroccan citizenship, offering him the option to play for both nations at the highest level.

Under Fifa eligibility rules, players may appear for multiple nations at youth level without being permanently tied, with the final decision only final once they play in a competitive full international.

He has played for Spain at underage levels, representing both the U19 and under-20 teams, and took part in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where La Roja made it to the quarter-finals.

Despite this, he has yet to commit to any full national side, who are monitoring his progress with keen attention.

In a recent interview, Pitarch said: "I have not taken my final decision so far. Things are positive with Spain, but I'll make a decision in the near future."

His situation echoes that of other bi-national talents such as club colleague Diaz and Barca star Yamal. While teenage Yamal opted for La Roja, Brahim opted to represent Morocco.

Eyes on the Prize

At present, his attention is on establishing himself in the Madrid lineup and rewarding Arbeloa's faith.

He played 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 fellow youth graduate in Angel underscored Arbeloa's trust in the next generation to help the club pursue trophies to come.

Following his notable contributions so far on European football's biggest stage, the midfielder is tipped to be a central figure in that.

"The manager treats me the identical way. We handle it very normally. I attempt not to overanalyze it excessively - I have to deserve my minutes on the field," he said following the success at Manchester.