The Reason Los Blancos Have 'Utter Trust' in Youngster Pitarch
Whenever a 18-year-old makes club a historic moment in a pivotal European match against Manchester City, it naturally attracts acclaim and the spotlight.
During his first start in the competition - and fifth appearance for the team - the young midfielder suitably impressed as the fifteen-time Champions League winners secured a three-nil last-16 first leg lead at the Bernabeu.
The teenager, who also made his Real debut in the play-off round a month ago with a cameo off the bench at Sporting Lisbon, then helped Los Blancos defeat the English champions in the midweek return to secure a quarter-final place.
Aged 18 years old, the midfielder became the club's most youthful starter to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, surpassing star Vini Jr's previous mark by a week and a half.
Rapid Ascent From La Fabrica
This talent is the most recent to emerge from the famed youth system and is quickly establishing himself as one of the manager's most promising protegees.
He joined Madrid from Leganes in the summer of 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico and Getafe's youth teams, and starting out for the under-19 side, where he rapidly created a positive impact.
Pitarch worked his way up to the B team and it was in a friendly match in which they faced the academy's first team, then coached by Arbeloa, where the teenager is said to have caught the attention of the current Real boss, who took over from the previous coach in the new year.
Reports would later label the moment as "love at first sight," adding he excelled not only for his skill on the ball, but for the energy, personality and drive he brought to the side.
'His Greatest Quality Remains His Character'
During the summer of 2025, former boss Alonso called up the youngster to practice with the first team and awarded him minutes in the warm-up matches.
Yet, it was Arbeloa's appointment that became the turning point in his career as he was introduced 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 before going to bed, the very first time I began playing football, every day you head to training and each day you play a match," stated the player after his first appearance.
"I've just achieved my ambition with the best team in the planet and in the top tournament."
Handed a starting debut in the Spanish league against his former club - where he was for several seasons after arriving from Atletico in 2018 - he has retained his place for the next four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Ceballos provided an opening.
The teenager has taken it with performances that have defied his age and inexperience.
"He is a extremely fast player, and you can see what he's capable of," said Arbeloa. "He's incredibly energetic, with excellent endurance, effort and movement."
Pitarch's mentality has also stood out to his coach.
"His greatest quality is his personality," added Arbeloa. "He always wants the possession, and even under pressure, he remains unfazed.
"I realize fans might be astonished to watch him make his debut in a European fixture, but he is selected because I had total trust in him to perform what he usually does.
"He will keep receiving opportunities with the first team. It's a pleasure to have a player like him."
Spain or Morocco?
Pitarch was born in a Madrid suburb, in the Madrid region, and grew up fully immersed in Spanish football, moving through youth setups before joining Real Madrid's renowned youth academy.
He holds dual Spanish and Moroccan citizenship, offering him the choice to represent both nations at senior international level.
Under Fifa eligibility rules, players may appear for multiple nations at junior level without being permanently tied, with the final decision only final once they appear in a official senior international match.
Pitarch has featured for the Spanish national team at underage levels, representing both the U19 and U20 sides, and participated in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where La Roja made it to the last eight.
Nevertheless, he has not yet decided to any full national side, who are monitoring his progress with interest.
Speaking recently, Pitarch confirmed: "I haven't made my ultimate choice so far. My situation is positive with the Spanish federation, but I will reach a decision in the near future."
This scenario echoes that of other dual nationality players such as Real team-mate Diaz and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal. Whereas teenage Lamine opted for Spain, Brahim decided to play for the Atlas Lions.
Eyes on the Prize
At present, Pitarch's focus is on making his mark in the Real side and repaying his manager's belief.
He played over an hour in the two-one victory at the Etihad, which completed a five-one overall triumph and a last-eight matchup with the German champions.
He was replaced by another academy player in Angel to emphasise the coach's confidence in younger players to aid the team chase future success.
Following his impressive impact so far on the Champions League, the midfielder is expected to be a central figure in that.
"Arbeloa treats me the identical way. We handle it very naturally. I attempt not to think about it excessively - I must earn my playing time on the field," he said after the win at Etihad Stadium.
