The Reason Real Madrid Possess 'Utter Faith' in Youngster Pitarch

Whenever a teenage creates Real Madrid a historic moment in a key European tie against Manchester City, it inevitably draws praise and the spotlight.

During his first 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 young player, who also made his Real debut in the play-off round a month ago with a substitute appearance at Benfica, then helped Los Blancos overcome the English Premier League side in the midweek second leg to secure a last eight berth.

At 18 years old, the midfielder was the team's most youthful starter to begin two matches in the Champions League knockout stages, surpassing Brazil forward Vinicius Jr's record by a week and a half.

Rapid Ascent From La Fabrica

The midfielder is the latest to come through from the club's academy and is rapidly cementing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most promising young players.

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

He worked his way up to the reserve side and it was in a friendly match in which they faced the senior squad, then coached by Arbeloa, where the youngster is said to have drawn the eye of the present manager, who took over from Xabi Alonso in January.

Reports would later label the moment as "an instant connection," noting Pitarch excelled not only for his technical ability, but for the vitality, character and determination he brought to the team.

'His Best Attribute Is His Character'

In the summer of 2025, former boss Alonso invited Pitarch to train with the senior squad and gave him playing time in the warm-up matches.

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

"I've dreamed of this each night before going to bed, the very first time I began playing football, every day you go to train and every day you have a game," said the player following his debut.

"I have just achieved my ambition with the best team in the world and in the best competition."

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

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

"He's a very quick player, and you can observe what he's capable of," remarked the coach. "He's extremely energetic, with great stamina, work-rate and movement."

The player's mindset has also impressed his manager.

"His standout trait is his character," added Arbeloa. "He always wants the possession, and when pressed, he remains unfazed.

"I realize people are astonished to watch him make his debut in a Champions League match, but he is selected because I had complete trust in him to perform his normal game.

"He will keep receiving opportunities with the first team. It is delightful to have a talent like him."

Spain or Morocco?

Pitarch was born in Fuenlabrada, in the Madrid region, and was raised deeply involved in the local game, progressing through local academies before joining Real Madrid's renowned youth academy.

He holds dual Moroccan and Spanish nationality, offering him the choice to play for either country at the highest level.

Under international regulations, players may appear for different countries at junior level without being locked in, with the final decision only final once they play in a official full international.

He has featured for the Spanish national team at underage levels, turning out for both the U19 and under-20 sides, and took part in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where La Roja made it to the last eight.

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

Speaking recently, Pitarch confirmed: "I haven't made my ultimate choice so far. My situation is great with Spain, but I'll make a conclusion soon."

His situation echoes that of other bi-national talents such as Real team-mate Brahim Diaz and Barcelona forward Yamal. Whereas teenage Yamal chose Spain, Diaz decided to play for Morocco.

Focus on the Future

For now, Pitarch's focus is on making his mark in the Madrid lineup and repaying his manager's belief.

He featured for 74 minutes in the 2-1 victory at the Etihad, which completed a five-one overall triumph and a quarter-final matchup with the German champions.

His substitution by another academy player in Angel underscored the coach's confidence in the next generation to aid the club chase trophies to come.

After his impressive impact so far on European football's biggest stage, Pitarch is tipped 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 must earn my playing time on the pitch," he said following the win at Manchester.