Why Real Madrid Have 'Total Trust' in Teenager Pitarch

When an teenage makes Real Madrid history in a crucial European tie against Manchester City, it naturally attracts praise and the spotlight.

In only his maiden start in the competition - and fifth game for the team - the young midfielder made a strong impression as the 15-time European champions claimed a three-nil round of 16 first-leg lead at the Bernabeu.

The teenager, who also had his Real debut in the play-off round a month ago with a cameo off the bench at Benfica, then assisted the Madrid side defeat the English champions in Tuesday's second leg to secure a quarter-final place.

At 18 years old, the midfielder became the team's most youthful starter to start twice in the Champions League's latter rounds, surpassing Brazil forward Vini Jr's record by a week and a half.

Rapid Ascent From The Academy

The midfielder is the most recent to emerge from the club's academy and is quickly establishing himself as one of the manager's most exciting young players.

He joined Real from CD Leganes in the summer of 2023, having previously been with Atletico Madrid and Getafe academies, and initially featuring for the under-19 side, where he quickly made a strong impression.

He worked his way up to the reserve side and it was in a pre-season game in which they faced the academy's first team, then managed by Arbeloa, where the teenager is said to have caught the attention of the present manager, who replaced Xabi Alonso in the new year.

Reports would later label the moment as "love at first sight," noting he excelled not only for his skill on the ball, but for the vitality, personality and determination he brought to the side.

'His Best Attribute Is His Character'

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

However, it was the change in manager that became the turning point in his development as he came on as a second-half replacement in each leg against Benfica that led to the clash with Manchester City.

"I have dreamed of this each night when sleeping, the very first time I began playing the game, each day you head to training and every day you play a match," said Pitarch following his first appearance.

"I have just fulfilled my ambition with the greatest club in the planet and in the best competition."

Given a starting debut in the Spanish league against his former club - where he spent several seasons after moving from Atletico in 2018 - he has kept his spot for the following four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Dani Ceballos provided an opportunity.

The teenager has seized it with displays that have defied his youth and inexperience.

"He is a extremely fast footballer, and you can see what he's capable of," said Arbeloa. "He is incredibly energetic, with excellent stamina, effort and movement."

Pitarch's mentality has also impressed his manager.

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

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

"He will continue to get chances with the first team. It is delightful to coach a player like him."

Spain or Morocco?

Born in Fuenlabrada, in the Madrid region, and was raised deeply involved in the local game, progressing through youth setups before joining the club's renowned La Fabrica system.

He possesses dual Moroccan and Spanish nationality, offering him the option to represent both nations at senior international level.

Under international regulations, footballers may appear for multiple nations at junior level without being permanently tied, with the final decision only binding once they appear in a official full international.

He has featured for the Spanish national team at youth level, turning out for both the under-19 and under-20 teams, and participated in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where La Roja made it to the last eight.

Despite this, he has not yet decided to either full national side, who are watching his rise with keen attention.

Speaking recently, Pitarch said: "I haven't made my ultimate choice yet. My situation is positive with Spain, but I'll make a conclusion soon."

This scenario echoes that of other bi-national talents such as Real team-mate Diaz and Barca star Lamine Yamal. While teenage Yamal chose Spain, Diaz opted to represent the Atlas Lions.

Eyes on the Prize

At present, Pitarch's focus is on making his mark in the Real side and repaying Arbeloa's faith.

He featured for 74 minutes in the 2-1 win at the Etihad, which completed a 5-1 aggregate success and a last-eight matchup with Bayern Munich.

He was replaced by fellow youth graduate in Manuel Angel to emphasise Arbeloa's trust in the next generation to help the club pursue future success.

After his impressive impact to date on European football's biggest stage, Pitarch is tipped to play a key role in that.

"The manager handles me the same. We deal with it very naturally. I try not to think about it excessively - I have to earn my playing time on the pitch," he commented following the win at Manchester.