Why Los Blancos Have 'Total Confidence' in Youngster Pitarch
When an teenage creates Real Madrid history in a pivotal Champions League tie against City, it naturally attracts praise and the spotlight.
In only his maiden start in the tournament - and fifth game for the club - the young midfielder suitably impressed as the fifteen-time Champions League winners claimed a 3-0 round of 16 first leg lead at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The teenager, who also made his club debut in the qualifying round a few weeks prior with a cameo off the bench at Sporting Lisbon, then assisted the Madrid side overcome the English Premier League side in the midweek second leg to secure a last eight berth.
At 18 years and 226 days, Pitarch was the club's most youthful starter to begin two matches in the Champions League knockout stages, beating star Vinicius Jr's previous mark by a week and a half.
A Meteoric Rise Through La Fabrica
This talent is the most recent to emerge from the famed youth system and is rapidly cementing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most promising protegees.
He joined Real from CD Leganes in the summer of 2023, having previously been with Atletico Madrid and Getafe youth teams, and starting out for the Juvenil C team, where he quickly made a positive impact.
He progressed to the B team and it was in a friendly match in which they faced the academy's first team, then managed by the former defender, where the youngster is said to have caught the attention of the current Real boss, who replaced the previous coach in January.
Spanish media would later label the moment as "an instant connection," adding he excelled not only for his technical ability, but for the vitality, personality and drive he brought to the team.
'His Best Attribute Is His Character'
During the summer of 2025, ex-manager Alonso invited Pitarch to train with the senior squad and awarded him playing time in the warm-up matches.
However, it was Arbeloa's appointment that became the defining moment in his career as he came on as a second-half replacement in each leg against Benfica that led to the meeting with Pep Guardiola's team.
"I have 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 each day you play a match," said Pitarch after his first appearance.
"I have just achieved my ambition with the best team in the planet and in the best competition."
Given a first start in the Spanish league against Getafe - where he was for several seasons after arriving from Atletico in 2018 - he has kept his place for the following four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Dani Ceballos created an opening.
Pitarch has seized it with displays that have belied his age and inexperience.
"He is a extremely fast player, and you can observe what he's capable of," said Arbeloa. "He's incredibly energetic, with excellent endurance, work-rate and movement."
Pitarch's mentality has also impressed his coach.
"His standout trait is his character," continued Arbeloa. "He constantly demands the possession, and even under pressure, he doesn't feel it.
"I understand fans might be astonished to watch him start in a European fixture, but he's playing because I had complete confidence in him to do what he usually does.
"He will keep receiving chances with the first team. It is delightful to have a talent like him."
Spain or Morocco?
Born in a Madrid suburb, in the Spanish capital's community, and was raised fully immersed in Spanish football, moving through youth setups before joining Real Madrid's renowned La Fabrica system.
He possesses both Spanish and Moroccan nationality, offering him the option to play for either country at the highest level.
Under Fifa eligibility rules, players may appear for multiple nations at junior level without being locked in, with the final decision only final once they play in a official senior international match.
Pitarch has played for the Spanish national team at youth level, representing both the U19 and U20 sides, and took part in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where Spain made it to the last eight.
Despite this, he has yet to commit to either full national side, who are monitoring his progress with interest.
Speaking recently, the player confirmed: "I have not taken my final decision yet. Things are great with Spain, but I'll make a conclusion in the near future."
His situation echoes that of other bi-national talents such as Real team-mate Diaz and Barca star Lamine Yamal. Whereas teenage Yamal opted for La Roja, Brahim decided to represent the Atlas Lions.
Focus on the Future
For now, his attention is on establishing himself in the Real side and rewarding Arbeloa's faith.
He played over an hour in the 2-1 victory at the Etihad, which completed a 5-1 aggregate success and a last-eight tie with the German champions.
He was replaced by another academy player in Angel underscored Arbeloa's trust in the next generation to help the team pursue future success.
Following his impressive impact to date on the Champions League, Pitarch is expected to play a key role in that.
"Arbeloa handles me the same. We deal with it very normally. I attempt not to think about it excessively - I must deserve my playing time on the pitch," he commented after the win at Manchester.
