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

When an teenage creates club a historic moment in a crucial Champions League match against City, it inevitably draws praise and the spotlight.

In only his maiden start in the competition - and fifth appearance for the club - the young midfielder made a strong impression as the fifteen-time European champions claimed a 3-0 last-16 first leg advantage at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The teenager, who also made his Real debut in the qualifying round a few weeks prior with a substitute appearance at Benfica, then assisted Los Blancos defeat the English Premier League side in Tuesday's return to confirm a quarter-final place.

At 18 years and 226 days, the midfielder was the team's most youthful starter to begin two matches in the Champions League's latter rounds, surpassing Brazil forward Vini Jr's previous mark by 10 days.

Rapid Ascent Through La Fabrica

The midfielder is the latest to come through from the club's academy and is quickly establishing himself as one of the manager's most exciting young players.

He signed for Real from CD Leganes in 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico and Getafe academies, and initially featuring for the under-19 side, where he quickly made a strong impression.

Pitarch progressed to the reserve side and it was during a pre-season game in which they played against the academy's first team, then managed by Arbeloa, where the youngster is said to have caught the attention of the current Real boss, who took over from the previous coach in January.

Reports would later describe the moment as "love at first sight," noting Pitarch excelled not only for his skill on the ball, but for the energy, personality and determination he brought to the side.

'His Greatest Quality Remains His Character'

In the summer of 2025, ex-manager Xabi Alonso invited the youngster to practice with the first team and awarded him playing time during the warm-up matches.

However, it was the change in manager that became the defining moment in his career as he was introduced as a second-half replacement in both ties 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," stated Pitarch following his debut.

"I've just fulfilled my ambition with the best team in the world and in the top tournament."

Given a first start in La Liga against Getafe - where he spent several seasons after moving from Atletico in 2018 - he has retained his place for the next four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Ceballos created an opportunity.

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

"He is a very quick player, and you can see what he's capable of," remarked the coach. "He's incredibly energetic, with great endurance, work-rate and movement."

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

"His greatest quality is his personality," added Arbeloa. "He constantly demands the possession, and even under pressure, he doesn't feel it.

"I realize fans might be astonished to see him start in a European fixture, but he is selected because I had total trust in him to perform his normal game.

"He will continue to get chances with the first team. It's a pleasure to coach a player like him."

A Future International Decision

Born in Fuenlabrada, in the Madrid region, and was raised deeply involved in the local game, progressing through local academies before joining the club's renowned La Fabrica system.

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

Under Fifa eligibility rules, footballers may appear for different countries at youth level without being permanently tied, with the final decision only binding once they appear in a competitive senior international match.

He has played for Spain at underage levels, representing both the under-19 and U20 teams, and participated in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where La Roja reached the quarter-finals.

Despite this, he has not yet decided to either full national side, who are monitoring his rise with keen attention.

Speaking recently, the player said: "I haven't made my final decision so far. My situation is positive with the Spanish federation, but I'll make a decision in the near future."

His situation echoes that of other dual nationality talents such as club colleague Diaz and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal. Whereas teenage Yamal chose La Roja, Brahim decided to play for Morocco.

Focus on the Future

For now, his attention 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 sealed a five-one aggregate success and a quarter-final tie with the German champions.

His substitution by another academy player in Angel to emphasise Arbeloa's trust in the next generation to help the team pursue future success.

After his notable contributions so far on the Champions League, Pitarch is tipped to be a central figure in that.

"The manager treats me the identical way. We handle it very naturally. I attempt not to think about it excessively - I have to deserve my playing time on the pitch," he commented after the success at Etihad Stadium.