The Reason Real Madrid Have 'Total Trust' in Teenager Pitarch
Whenever a 18-year-old creates club history in a key Champions League match against City, it inevitably draws acclaim and the spotlight.
In only his first start in the competition - and fifth game for the team - the young midfielder suitably impressed as the 15-time Champions League winners claimed a three-nil round of 16 first leg lead at the Bernabeu.
The teenager, who also made his club debut in the qualifying round a month ago with a cameo off the bench at Benfica, then assisted the Madrid side overcome the English champions in the midweek return to secure a last eight place.
Aged 18 years and 226 days, the midfielder became the team's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, surpassing Brazil forward Vini Jr's record by 10 days.
A Meteoric Rise From La Fabrica
This talent is the most recent to come through from the club's academy and is quickly establishing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most exciting young players.
He joined Real from CD Leganes in the summer of 2023, having previously been with Atletico and Getafe academies, and initially featuring for the Juvenil C team, where he quickly made a strong impression.
He progressed to the B team and it was during a pre-season game in which they faced the academy's first team, then coached by the former defender, where the youngster is said to have drawn the eye of the present manager, who replaced the previous coach in January.
Spanish media would later label the moment as "love at first sight," noting he stood out not only for his skill on the ball, but for the vitality, character and determination he added to the team.
'His Best Attribute Remains His Personality'
In the pre-season of 2025, former boss Alonso invited the youngster to practice with the first team and gave him playing time during the warm-up matches.
Yet, it was Arbeloa's appointment that proved the defining moment in his career as he was introduced as a late substitute in both ties against Benfica that set up the clash with Pep Guardiola's team.
"I have dreamed of this each night when sleeping, the first day I started playing football, each day you head to training and each day you have a game," said the player after his debut.
"I have just achieved my ambition with the best team in the planet and in the best competition."
Given a first start in La Liga against his former club - where he spent four years after moving from Atleti in 2018 - he has kept his place for the next four as injuries to Bellingham and Ceballos provided an opening.
Pitarch has taken it with performances that have belied his youth and inexperience.
"He's a extremely fast player, and you can see his capabilities," remarked Arbeloa. "He's incredibly energetic, with excellent endurance, effort and mobility."
Pitarch's mentality has also impressed his manager.
"His standout trait is his personality," continued Arbeloa. "He constantly demands the ball, and even under pressure, he remains unfazed.
"I understand fans might be astonished to watch him start in a European fixture, but he is selected because I had total confidence in him to do what he usually does.
"He will continue to get opportunities 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 Spanish football, progressing through youth setups before entering the club's famous youth academy.
He possesses both Moroccan and Spanish citizenship, giving him the option to represent either country at the highest level.
According to Fifa eligibility rules, players may represent multiple nations 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 youth level, representing both the U19 and U20 sides, and participated in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where La Roja made it to the last eight.
Nevertheless, he has yet to commit to any senior national team, who are monitoring his rise with interest.
In a recent interview, Pitarch confirmed: "I have not taken my final decision so far. My situation is positive with Spain, but I'll make a conclusion soon."
This scenario mirrors that of other dual nationality players such as Real team-mate Diaz and Barca star Lamine Yamal. Whereas teenage Lamine chose La Roja, Brahim opted to represent Morocco.
Eyes on the Prize
For now, Pitarch's focus is on making his mark in the Madrid lineup and rewarding Arbeloa's faith.
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 the German champions.
His substitution by another academy player in Angel underscored the coach's confidence in younger players to help the club chase future success.
Following his notable contributions to date on European football's biggest stage, the midfielder is tipped to be a central figure in that.
"Arbeloa treats me the same. We deal with it very normally. I attempt not to overanalyze it excessively - I have to deserve my playing time on the pitch," he said following the win at Etihad Stadium.
