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

When an teenage creates club history in a crucial European tie against Manchester City, it inevitably draws praise and attention.

In only his maiden start in the competition - and fifth appearance for the club - the young midfielder made a strong impression as the 15-time European champions claimed a 3-0 last-16 first-leg lead at the Bernabeu.

The teenager, who also made his Real debut in the qualifying round a few weeks prior with a cameo off the bench at Benfica, then assisted Los Blancos overcome the English Premier League side in the midweek return to confirm a quarter-final place.

At 18 years and 226 days, the midfielder became the club's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, beating 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 famed youth system and is quickly establishing himself as one of the manager's most promising protegees.

He signed for Real from Leganes in the summer of 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico and Getafe youth teams, and initially featuring for the Juvenil C team, where he quickly made a strong impression.

He progressed to the B team and it was in a friendly match in which they faced the senior squad, then coached by the former defender, where the youngster is said to have caught the attention of the current Real boss, who replaced Xabi Alonso in January.

Spanish media would later describe the moment as "love at first sight," adding he excelled not only for his technical ability, but for the energy, personality and drive he added to the team.

'His Best Attribute Remains His Character'

During the summer of 2025, ex-manager Xabi Alonso called up Pitarch to practice with the senior squad and gave him playing time in the warm-up matches.

However, it was the change in manager that became the defining moment in his development as he came on as a late substitute in both ties against Benfica that led to the meeting with Pep Guardiola's team.

"I've dreamed of this each night when sleeping, the first day I started playing football, every day you head to training and every day you play a match," said Pitarch following his debut.

"I have just fulfilled my ambition with the best team in the planet and in the best competition."

Given a first start in the Spanish league against his former club - where he spent several seasons after arriving from Atleti in 2018 - he has retained his spot for the following four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Dani Ceballos provided an opportunity.

Pitarch has seized it with displays that have belied his youth and experience.

"He's a very quick footballer, and you can see what he's capable of," said the coach. "He's extremely dynamic, with excellent stamina, work-rate and movement."

The player's mindset has also impressed his manager.

"His greatest quality is his character," added Arbeloa. "He always wants the possession, and when pressed, he remains unfazed.

"I realize fans might be astonished to watch him start in a European fixture, but he's playing because I had total trust in him to perform his normal game.

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

Spain or Morocco?

Born in Fuenlabrada, in the Madrid region, and grew up fully immersed in Spanish football, moving through local academies before joining the club's famous La Fabrica system.

He holds both Spanish and Moroccan citizenship, offering him the option to play for both nations at senior international level.

According to Fifa eligibility rules, players may appear for multiple nations at junior level without being locked in, with the final decision only binding once they play in a official senior international match.

He has featured for Spain at youth level, turning out for both the U19 and under-20 sides, and took part in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where La Roja made it to the quarter-finals.

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

Speaking recently, the player confirmed: "I haven't made my final decision yet. Things are great with Spain, but I will reach a conclusion in the near future."

His situation mirrors that of other bi-national players such as club colleague Brahim Diaz and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal. While teenage Lamine opted for Spain, Diaz decided to represent the Atlas Lions.

Eyes on the Prize

For now, his attention is on making his mark in the Real side and repaying Arbeloa's faith.

He played 74 minutes in the two-one victory at City, which completed a 5-1 aggregate success and a last-eight matchup with Bayern Munich.

He was replaced by fellow youth graduate in Manuel Angel underscored Arbeloa's trust in younger players to help the team pursue future success.

After his notable contributions to date on the Champions League, the midfielder is expected to play a key role in that.

"The manager treats me the identical way. We deal with it very naturally. I try not to overanalyze it excessively - I have to earn my playing time on the pitch," he said after the success at Etihad Stadium.