The Reason Real Madrid Have 'Total Confidence' in Teenager Pitarch
Whenever a 18-year-old creates club history in a pivotal European match against City, it naturally attracts praise and the spotlight.
During his first start in the tournament - and fifth appearance for the club - the young midfielder suitably impressed as the 15-time Champions League winners claimed a three-nil last-16 first-leg advantage at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The young player, who also made his Real debut in the qualifying round a few weeks prior with a substitute appearance at Benfica, then helped Los Blancos overcome the English champions in the midweek second leg to confirm a last eight berth.
Aged 18 years old, Pitarch was the club's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League's latter rounds, beating star Vinicius Jr's record by a week and a half.
A Meteoric Rise From The Academy
The midfielder 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 joined Madrid from CD Leganes in 2023, having previously been with Atletico Madrid and Getafe's academies, and starting out for the Juvenil C team, where he rapidly created a strong impression.
He worked his way up to the B team and it was in a pre-season game in which they faced the senior squad, then coached by Arbeloa, where the youngster is said to have caught the attention of the current Real boss, who replaced the previous coach in January.
Reports would later describe the moment as "love at first sight," adding he stood out not only for his technical ability, but for the vitality, character and drive he brought to the side.
'His Best Attribute Remains His Character'
During the pre-season of 2025, ex-manager Xabi Alonso invited the youngster to train 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 development as he came on as a late substitute in each leg against the Portuguese side that set up the clash with Pep Guardiola's team.
"I've dreamed of this each night when sleeping, the very first time I began playing football, each day you go to train and each day you play a match," stated Pitarch after his debut.
"I have just achieved my dream with the greatest club in the world and in the top tournament."
Given a starting debut in La Liga against his former club - where he spent several seasons after arriving from Atleti in 2018 - he has kept his place for the next four as injuries to Bellingham and Dani Ceballos created an opportunity.
The teenager has seized it with displays that have belied his youth and experience.
"He's a extremely fast player, and you can observe his capabilities," remarked Arbeloa. "He's extremely dynamic, with excellent stamina, effort and mobility."
The player's mindset has also stood out to his manager.
"His greatest quality is his personality," continued Arbeloa. "He constantly demands the possession, and when pressed, he doesn't feel it.
"I understand fans might be astonished to see him start in a Champions League match, but he's playing because I had total trust in him to do his normal game.
"He will keep receiving chances with the first team. It is delightful to coach a player like him."
Spain or Morocco?
Born in Fuenlabrada, in the Spanish capital's community, and was raised deeply involved in Spanish football, moving through youth setups before joining Real Madrid's famous youth academy.
He possesses dual Moroccan and Spanish citizenship, giving him the choice to represent both nations at senior international level.
According to Fifa eligibility rules, footballers may appear for different countries at junior level without being locked in, with the ultimate choice only final once they appear in a competitive full international.
Pitarch has played for the Spanish national team at underage levels, turning out for both the under-19 and under-20 teams, and participated in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where La Roja made it to the quarter-finals.
Nevertheless, he has yet to commit to either full national side, who are monitoring his rise with interest.
Speaking recently, Pitarch said: "I have not taken my final decision yet. Things are great with the Spanish federation, but I'll make a decision in the near future."
This scenario echoes that of other bi-national talents such as Real team-mate Brahim Diaz and Barcelona forward Yamal. Whereas 18-year-old Lamine opted for Spain, Brahim decided to represent Morocco.
Eyes on the Prize
At present, Pitarch's focus is on establishing himself in the Madrid lineup and rewarding his manager's belief.
He featured for over an hour in the 2-1 win at City, which completed a 5-1 aggregate success and a last-eight tie with Bayern Munich.
He was replaced by fellow youth graduate in Manuel Angel to emphasise the coach's confidence in younger players to aid the club pursue 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 handles me the identical way. We handle it very naturally. I attempt not to think about it too much - I must deserve my minutes on the field," he commented after the win at Etihad Stadium.
