The Reason Los Blancos Possess 'Total Confidence' in Teenager Pitarch

Whenever a teenage creates club history in a pivotal Champions League tie against City, it naturally attracts acclaim and attention.

During his maiden start in the tournament - and fifth game for the club - the young midfielder suitably impressed as the 15-time Champions League winners secured a 3-0 round of 16 first leg advantage at the Bernabeu.

The young player, who also made his club debut in the play-off round a month ago with a substitute appearance at Benfica, then helped the Madrid side defeat the English champions in Tuesday's second leg to confirm a last eight berth.

Aged 18 years and 226 days, the midfielder was the team's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League's latter rounds, beating star Vini Jr's record by 10 days.

A Meteoric Rise Through La Fabrica

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

He joined Real from Leganes in the summer of 2023, having previously been with Atletico and Getafe academies, and starting out for the under-19 side, where he rapidly created a positive impact.

He progressed to the reserve side and it was during a friendly match in which they played against the academy's first team, then coached by the former defender, where the teenager is said to have drawn the eye of the current Real boss, who took over from Xabi Alonso in the new year.

Spanish media would later describe the moment as "an instant connection," adding Pitarch excelled not only for his skill on the ball, but for the vitality, personality and determination he brought to the team.

'His Greatest Quality Is His Personality'

During the pre-season of 2025, ex-manager Alonso invited Pitarch to train with the senior squad and awarded him minutes in pre-season.

However, it was the change in manager that became the turning point in his development as he was introduced as a late substitute in each leg against the Portuguese side that led to the clash with Pep Guardiola's team.

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

"I have just fulfilled my dream with the best team in the world and in the top tournament."

Given a starting debut in the Spanish league against his former club - where he was for four years after arriving from Atletico in 2018 - he has kept his place for the following four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Dani Ceballos provided an opportunity.

The teenager has seized it with displays that have defied his youth and inexperience.

"He is a extremely fast player, and you can see what he's capable of," remarked Arbeloa. "He is extremely dynamic, with great stamina, effort and movement."

The player's mindset has also stood out to his manager.

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

"I realize fans might be surprised to watch him start in a Champions League match, 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 coach a player like him."

A Future International Decision

Pitarch was born in Fuenlabrada, in the Spanish capital's community, and was raised deeply involved in the local game, moving through local academies before joining the club's famous La Fabrica system.

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

According to Fifa eligibility rules, players may appear for different countries at youth level without being permanently tied, with the ultimate choice only binding once they play in a competitive full international.

He has played for the Spanish national team at youth level, representing both the U19 and under-20 sides, and participated in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where Spain reached the last eight.

Despite this, he has not yet decided to any senior national team, who are monitoring his progress with keen attention.

Speaking recently, Pitarch confirmed: "I have not taken my final decision so far. My situation is positive with the Spanish federation, but I'll make a conclusion soon."

This scenario mirrors that of other dual nationality players such as club colleague Diaz and Barcelona forward Yamal. While teenage Lamine opted for La Roja, Diaz decided to represent Morocco.

Focus on the Future

For now, Pitarch's focus is on making his mark in the Real side and repaying his manager's belief.

He featured for over an hour in the 2-1 victory at the Etihad, which completed a 5-1 overall triumph and a quarter-final matchup with Bayern Munich.

His substitution by another academy player in Angel underscored Arbeloa's trust in younger players to aid the team chase trophies to come.

After his notable contributions to date on European football's biggest stage, Pitarch is expected to play a key role in that.

"The manager treats me the identical way. We handle it very naturally. I try not to overanalyze it too much - I have to earn my playing time on the field," he commented after the win at Manchester.