The Reason Real Madrid Have 'Total Trust' in Teenager Pitarch

When an teenage creates Real Madrid a historic moment in a key European tie against Manchester City, it naturally attracts acclaim and attention.

In only his maiden start in the tournament - and fifth appearance for the club - the young midfielder made a strong impression as the 15-time Champions League winners secured a three-nil last-16 first-leg advantage at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The teenager, who also had his club debut in the qualifying round a few weeks prior with a substitute appearance at Benfica, then assisted the Madrid side overcome the English champions in the midweek return to confirm a quarter-final berth.

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

Rapid Ascent Through The Academy

This talent is the most recent to come through from the club's academy and is quickly establishing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most promising protegees.

He joined Real from CD Leganes in the summer of 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico Madrid and Getafe youth teams, and initially featuring for the Juvenil C team, where he rapidly created a strong impression.

Pitarch worked his way up to the reserve side and it was during a friendly match in which they played against the academy's first team, then managed by Arbeloa, where the teenager is said to have caught the attention of the current Real boss, who replaced Xabi Alonso in the new year.

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

'His Greatest Quality Is His Personality'

In the summer of 2025, ex-manager Xabi Alonso invited Pitarch to practice with the senior squad and gave him minutes in the warm-up matches.

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 the Portuguese side that led to the clash with Manchester City.

"I've dreamed of this every night before going to bed, the very first time I started playing football, every day you head to training and every day you play a match," said Pitarch following his first appearance.

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

Given a first start 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 fitness issues to Bellingham and Dani Ceballos created an opening.

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

"He is a extremely fast footballer, and you can see his capabilities," said the coach. "He is extremely dynamic, with great endurance, effort and mobility."

The player's mindset has also impressed his manager.

"His standout trait is his personality," continued he. "He constantly demands the possession, and even under pressure, he remains unfazed.

"I realize people are surprised to see him make his debut in a Champions League match, but he's playing because I had complete trust in him to do his normal game.

"He will continue to get opportunities with the main squad. It's a pleasure to have a player like him."

A Future International Decision

Born in a Madrid suburb, in the Spanish capital's community, and was raised fully immersed in Spanish football, progressing through local academies before joining Real Madrid's renowned youth academy.

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

According to international regulations, footballers may represent different countries at youth level without being locked in, with the final decision only binding once they appear in a official senior international match.

He has featured for Spain at youth level, representing both the U19 and U20 teams, and participated in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where La Roja reached the last eight.

Despite this, he has not yet decided to any senior national team, who are watching his rise with interest.

Speaking recently, Pitarch said: "I have not taken my ultimate choice so far. Things are positive with the Spanish federation, but I'll make a decision in the near future."

His situation mirrors that of other bi-national players such as Real team-mate Diaz and Barca star Yamal. Whereas teenage Yamal chose Spain, Brahim decided to represent the Atlas Lions.

Focus on the Future

At present, his attention is on making his mark in the Madrid lineup and repaying Arbeloa's faith.

He featured for 74 minutes in the two-one win at the Etihad, which sealed a 5-1 overall triumph and a last-eight matchup with the German champions.

He was replaced by another academy player in Manuel Angel to emphasise the coach's confidence in the next generation to help the team chase future success.

After his notable contributions so far on the Champions League, Pitarch is tipped to play a key role in that.

"Arbeloa handles me the same. We deal with it very normally. I try not to overanalyze it too much - I must earn my playing time on the pitch," he commented after the win at Manchester.