Why Real Madrid Possess 'Utter Confidence' in Youngster Pitarch

When an 18-year-old makes Real Madrid a historic moment in a crucial Champions League tie against City, it inevitably draws acclaim and attention.

In only his first start in the competition - and fifth game for the team - the young midfielder suitably impressed as the fifteen-time Champions League winners secured a 3-0 round of 16 first leg lead at the Bernabeu.

The teenager, who also made his Real debut in the play-off round a few weeks prior with a cameo off the bench at Benfica, then helped the Madrid side defeat the English Premier League side in Tuesday's return to confirm a last eight place.

At 18 years old, the midfielder became the club's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, beating star Vini Jr's previous mark by 10 days.

A Meteoric Rise Through La Fabrica

This talent is the most recent to emerge from the club's academy and is rapidly cementing himself as one of the manager's most exciting protegees.

He signed for Madrid from CD Leganes in the summer of 2023, having previously been with Atletico and Getafe's youth teams, and initially featuring for the Juvenil C team, where he quickly made a positive impact.

Pitarch worked his way up to the reserve side and it was during a friendly match in which they played against the senior squad, then coached by Arbeloa, where the youngster is said to have caught the attention of the present manager, who replaced the previous coach in January.

Reports would later describe the moment as "an instant connection," noting Pitarch stood out not only for his skill on the ball, but for the energy, character and determination he added to the side.

'His Greatest Quality Remains His Personality'

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

Yet, it was Arbeloa's appointment that became the defining moment in his career as he was introduced as a late substitute in each leg against Benfica that set up the clash with Manchester City.

"I have dreamed of this every night before going to bed, the first day I began playing the game, each day you go to train and each day you play a match," said Pitarch following his first appearance.

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

Given a starting debut in La Liga 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 injuries to Bellingham and Dani Ceballos provided 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 observe what he's capable of," said the coach. "He is incredibly dynamic, with great endurance, work-rate and movement."

Pitarch's mentality has also stood out to his coach.

"His greatest quality is his character," continued Arbeloa. "He always wants the possession, and even under pressure, he remains unfazed.

"I understand fans might be astonished to watch him make his debut in a Champions League match, but he's playing because I had complete confidence in him to do his normal game.

"He will keep receiving opportunities with the main squad. It is delightful to coach a talent like him."

Spain or Morocco?

Born in Fuenlabrada, in the Madrid region, and was raised deeply involved in Spanish football, progressing through youth setups before entering Real Madrid's famous La Fabrica system.

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

According to Fifa eligibility rules, players may represent different countries at youth level without being locked in, with the ultimate choice only binding once they play in a competitive senior international match.

He has featured for the Spanish national team at youth level, turning out for both the U19 and under-20 sides, and took part in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where La Roja reached the last eight.

Nevertheless, he has not yet decided to either senior national team, who are watching his progress with keen attention.

In a recent interview, Pitarch said: "I haven't made my ultimate choice yet. My situation is positive with the Spanish federation, but I'll make a decision in the near future."

His situation mirrors that of other dual nationality players such as club colleague Diaz and Barcelona forward Yamal. While 18-year-old Yamal opted for Spain, Brahim decided to play for Morocco.

Eyes on the Prize

For now, his attention is on establishing himself in the Real side and repaying his manager's belief.

He featured for over an hour in the 2-1 victory at City, which sealed a five-one aggregate success and a last-eight matchup with the German champions.

His substitution by fellow youth graduate in Manuel Angel to emphasise Arbeloa's trust in the next generation to help the team pursue future success.

Following his notable contributions so far on European football's biggest stage, the midfielder is expected to play a key role in that.

"The manager treats me the same. We handle it very naturally. I attempt not to overanalyze it excessively - I must deserve my playing time on the field," he commented after the success at Etihad Stadium.