The Reason Real Madrid Have 'Utter Confidence' in Youngster Pitarch

Whenever a teenage makes club a historic moment in a crucial Champions League match against City, it inevitably draws acclaim and attention.

During his maiden start in the competition - and fifth appearance for the team - the young midfielder suitably impressed as the 15-time European champions claimed a three-nil round of 16 first leg advantage at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The young player, who also had his Real debut in the qualifying round a month ago with a substitute appearance at Sporting Lisbon, then assisted Los Blancos defeat the English champions in the midweek second leg to secure a quarter-final place.

Aged 18 years and 226 days, the midfielder was the team's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, surpassing star Vini Jr's previous mark by 10 days.

A Meteoric Rise Through The Academy

The midfielder is the most recent to emerge from the club's academy and is rapidly cementing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most promising protegees.

He signed for Madrid from CD Leganes in 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico Madrid and Getafe's academies, and initially featuring for the Juvenil C team, where he quickly made a strong impression.

Pitarch progressed to the B team and it was in a pre-season game in which they played against the academy's first team, then coached by Arbeloa, where the teenager is said to have drawn the eye of the present manager, who replaced Xabi Alonso in the new year.

Reports would later describe the moment as "an instant connection," noting he excelled not only for his skill on the ball, but for the vitality, character and drive he added to the side.

'His Greatest Quality Is His Character'

During the pre-season of 2025, former boss Xabi Alonso invited the youngster to train with the senior squad and awarded him minutes in pre-season.

Yet, it was the change in manager that became the defining moment in his development as he was introduced as a second-half replacement in both ties against Benfica that led to the clash with Pep Guardiola's team.

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

"I have just achieved my ambition with the best team in the planet and in the top tournament."

Given a first start in the Spanish league against his former club - where he was for several seasons after moving from Atleti in 2018 - he has kept his spot for the next four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Ceballos created an opportunity.

The teenager has seized it with displays that have belied his age and inexperience.

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

The player's mindset has also impressed his manager.

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

"I realize fans might be surprised to see him make his debut in a European fixture, but he is selected because I had total trust in him to do his normal game.

"He will keep receiving chances with the main squad. It's a pleasure to have a player like him."

A Future International Decision

Pitarch was born in a Madrid suburb, in the Madrid region, and grew up fully immersed in the local game, progressing through youth setups before entering Real Madrid's renowned youth academy.

He possesses both Moroccan and Spanish nationality, giving him the choice to represent both nations at senior international level.

According to Fifa eligibility rules, players may appear for multiple nations at junior level without being locked in, with the ultimate choice only binding once they play in a competitive full international.

Pitarch has featured for the Spanish national team at underage levels, representing both the under-19 and under-20 sides, and took part in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where La Roja reached the quarter-finals.

Nevertheless, he has not yet decided to either senior national team, who are monitoring his rise with interest.

Speaking recently, the player confirmed: "I haven't made my final decision so far. Things are positive with the Spanish federation, but I'll make a conclusion in the near future."

This scenario echoes that of other dual nationality talents such as club colleague Diaz and Barcelona forward Yamal. While 18-year-old Yamal opted for La Roja, Brahim decided to play for the Atlas Lions.

Eyes on the Prize

For now, his attention is on establishing himself in the Real side and rewarding Arbeloa's faith.

He featured for over an hour in the two-one win at City, which completed a 5-1 overall triumph and a last-eight tie with the German champions.

He was replaced by another academy player in Angel to emphasise Arbeloa's trust in the next generation to help the club chase future success.

Following his impressive impact to date on the Champions League, Pitarch is tipped to play a key role in that.

"The manager handles me the identical way. We deal with it very naturally. I try not to think about it excessively - I must earn my playing time on the field," he said after the win at Etihad Stadium.