Why Real Madrid Have 'Total Confidence' in Teenager Pitarch

Whenever a 18-year-old makes Real Madrid a historic moment in a pivotal European tie against Manchester City, it naturally attracts praise and the spotlight.

In only his first start in the tournament - and fifth appearance for the club - the young midfielder made a strong impression as the fifteen-time European champions secured a three-nil last-16 first-leg advantage at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The teenager, who also had his Real debut in the qualifying round a few weeks prior with a cameo off the bench at Sporting Lisbon, then helped Los Blancos overcome the English Premier League side in Tuesday's return to confirm a quarter-final berth.

At 18 years old, Pitarch was the club's most youthful starter to begin two matches in the Champions League's latter rounds, surpassing Brazil forward Vini Jr's previous mark by a week and a half.

Rapid Ascent From The Academy

The midfielder is the most recent to come through from the club's academy and is quickly establishing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most promising protegees.

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

Pitarch progressed to the B team and it was in a friendly match in which they played against the senior squad, then managed by the former defender, where the youngster is said to have caught the attention of the present manager, who took over from the previous coach in the new year.

Reports would later label the moment as "an instant connection," adding he stood out not only for his technical ability, but for the energy, personality and drive he brought to the team.

'His Greatest Quality Remains His Personality'

During the summer of 2025, former boss Xabi Alonso invited the youngster to practice with the senior squad and awarded him playing time in pre-season.

However, it was Arbeloa's appointment that became the defining moment in his career as he was introduced as a late substitute in both ties against Benfica that set up the meeting with Manchester City.

"I've dreamed of this every night when sleeping, the very first time I started playing football, each day you head to training and every day you have a game," stated the player following his debut.

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

Given a starting debut in the Spanish league against his former club - where he spent four years after arriving from Atletico in 2018 - he has kept his place for the next four as injuries to Bellingham and Dani Ceballos provided an opening.

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

"He is a very quick player, and you can observe what he's capable of," said Arbeloa. "He is incredibly energetic, with great endurance, effort and movement."

Pitarch's mentality has also impressed his coach.

"His standout trait is his personality," continued he. "He always wants the ball, and even under pressure, he doesn't feel it.

"I realize people are surprised to see him make his debut in a European fixture, but he's playing because I had complete confidence in him to do his normal game.

"He will continue to get chances with the main squad. It is delightful to have a player like him."

A Future International Decision

Pitarch was born in Fuenlabrada, in the Madrid region, and grew up deeply involved in Spanish football, progressing through youth setups before joining the club's famous youth academy.

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

Under international regulations, players may appear for different countries at junior level without being locked in, with the final decision only final once they appear in a competitive senior international match.

Pitarch has played for the Spanish national team at underage levels, representing both the U19 and U20 teams, and took part in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where La Roja made it to the quarter-finals.

Nevertheless, he has not yet decided to either full national side, who are watching his rise with keen attention.

Speaking recently, the player confirmed: "I haven't made my final decision so far. My situation is great with the Spanish federation, but I will reach a conclusion soon."

His situation echoes that of other bi-national talents such as club colleague Diaz and Barca star Lamine Yamal. While 18-year-old Yamal chose Spain, Brahim decided to play for the Atlas Lions.

Eyes on the Prize

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

He featured for 74 minutes in the 2-1 win at City, which sealed a five-one overall triumph and a quarter-final tie with the German champions.

He was replaced by another academy player in Angel to emphasise the coach's confidence in younger players to aid the team pursue trophies to come.

Following his notable contributions so far on European football's biggest stage, Pitarch is expected to be a central figure in that.

"Arbeloa treats me the identical way. We handle it very normally. I try not to overanalyze it too much - I have to earn my playing time on the pitch," he commented following the success at Manchester.