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

Whenever a teenage creates Real Madrid history in a pivotal European tie against Manchester City, it inevitably draws acclaim and attention.

During his maiden start in the competition - and fifth appearance 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 Santiago Bernabeu.

The young player, who also made his Real debut in the play-off round a few weeks prior with a substitute appearance at Benfica, then assisted Los Blancos defeat the English Premier League side in the midweek return to secure a last eight place.

At 18 years old, Pitarch became the team's most youthful starter to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, beating Brazil forward Vini Jr's record by a week and a half.

A Meteoric Rise From La Fabrica

The midfielder is the most recent to emerge from the club's academy and is quickly establishing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most promising young players.

He signed for Real from CD Leganes in the summer of 2023, having previously been with Atletico and Getafe academies, and initially featuring for the under-19 side, where he quickly made a strong impression.

He worked his way up to the B team and it was during a pre-season game in which they played against the senior squad, then coached by the former defender, where the youngster is said to have drawn the eye of the present manager, who took over from the previous coach in January.

Reports would later label the moment as "an instant connection," adding Pitarch stood out not only for his skill on the ball, but for the vitality, personality and drive he added to the team.

'His Best Attribute Remains His Character'

In the summer of 2025, ex-manager Xabi Alonso invited Pitarch to train with the senior squad and awarded him minutes during pre-season.

However, it was Arbeloa's appointment that became the turning point in his development as he came on as a late substitute in both ties against the Portuguese side that led to the meeting with Pep Guardiola's team.

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

"I have just achieved my ambition with the best team in the world and in the best competition."

Given a first start in the Spanish league against his former club - where he was for four years after arriving from Atletico in 2018 - he has retained his spot for the next four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Ceballos created an opportunity.

Pitarch has taken it with performances that have belied his youth and experience.

"He's a extremely fast player, and you can see what he's capable of," remarked the coach. "He's extremely energetic, with excellent endurance, work-rate and movement."

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

"His greatest quality is his personality," added he. "He constantly demands the possession, and even under pressure, he remains unfazed.

"I understand fans might be astonished to see him start in a Champions League match, but he is selected because I had complete confidence in him to do what he usually does.

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

A Future International Decision

Pitarch was born in a Madrid suburb, in the Madrid region, and grew up fully immersed in the local game, progressing through youth setups before entering Real Madrid's renowned La Fabrica system.

He holds both Spanish and Moroccan nationality, offering him the choice to play for both nations at the highest level.

Under international regulations, footballers may appear for multiple nations at junior level without being locked in, with the final decision only binding once they play in a official full international.

Pitarch 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 La Roja reached the quarter-finals.

Nevertheless, he has yet to commit to either senior national team, who are watching his progress with keen attention.

In a recent interview, Pitarch confirmed: "I have not taken my final decision yet. Things are positive with Spain, but I'll make a conclusion in the near future."

His situation echoes that of other dual nationality players such as club colleague Diaz and Barca star Yamal. While teenage Yamal opted for La Roja, Brahim opted to play for the Atlas Lions.

Eyes on the Prize

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

He featured for over an hour in the 2-1 victory at the Etihad, which completed a five-one aggregate success and a quarter-final matchup with the German champions.

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

After his impressive impact so far on the Champions League, Pitarch is expected to play a key role in that.

"The manager handles me the identical way. We handle it very normally. I attempt not to think about it too much - I have to deserve my minutes on the pitch," he said after the success at Etihad Stadium.