Why Los Blancos Possess 'Utter Faith' in Youngster Pitarch

Whenever a 18-year-old creates club a historic moment in a key European tie against Manchester City, it inevitably draws acclaim and attention.

In only his maiden start in the tournament - and fifth game for the club - the young midfielder suitably impressed as the fifteen-time European champions secured a three-nil round of 16 first leg lead at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The young player, who also made his club debut in the play-off round a few weeks prior with a substitute appearance at Benfica, then assisted the Madrid side defeat the English champions in the midweek second leg to confirm a last eight berth.

Aged 18 years old, Pitarch became the team's most youthful starter to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, surpassing star Vinicius Jr's record by a week and a half.

A Meteoric Rise Through La Fabrica

This talent is the most recent to come through from the club's academy and is quickly establishing himself as one of the manager's most exciting protegees.

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

Pitarch 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 Arbeloa, where the teenager is said to have drawn the eye of the present manager, who took over from Xabi Alonso in the new year.

Reports would later label 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 side.

'His Best Attribute Remains His Personality'

In the pre-season of 2025, former boss Xabi Alonso called up the youngster to practice with the first team and awarded him playing time in the warm-up matches.

However, it was the change in manager that became the defining moment in his career as he came on as a late substitute in both ties against the Portuguese side that led to the clash with Manchester City.

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

"I have just achieved my ambition with the best team in the planet and in the top tournament."

Handed a starting debut in the Spanish league against his former club - where he was for four years after moving from Atleti in 2018 - he has retained his spot for the following four as injuries to Jude Bellingham and Dani Ceballos created an opening.

Pitarch has taken it with displays that have defied his age and inexperience.

"He's a extremely fast player, and you can see what he's capable of," said the coach. "He's incredibly dynamic, with excellent endurance, effort and mobility."

Pitarch's mentality has also stood out to his manager.

"His standout trait is his personality," added he. "He always wants the ball, and when pressed, he remains unfazed.

"I realize people are surprised to watch him make his debut in a European fixture, but he is selected because I had complete confidence in him to perform what he usually does.

"He will continue to get opportunities with the first team. It's a pleasure to have a talent like him."

Spain or Morocco?

Pitarch was born in a Madrid suburb, in the Spanish capital's community, and was raised fully immersed in the local game, progressing through local academies before entering the club's renowned youth academy.

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

Under Fifa eligibility rules, footballers may appear for multiple nations at youth level without being locked in, with the ultimate choice only final once they appear in a competitive senior international match.

Pitarch has played for Spain at underage levels, representing both the U19 and U20 teams, and took part in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where Spain reached the quarter-finals.

Nevertheless, he has not yet decided to any senior national team, who are watching his rise with keen attention.

Speaking recently, the player confirmed: "I haven't made my final decision yet. Things are great with the Spanish federation, but I'll make a decision soon."

His situation echoes that of other dual nationality players such as Real team-mate Brahim Diaz and Barca star Lamine Yamal. Whereas 18-year-old Lamine opted for Spain, Diaz opted to represent Morocco.

Eyes on the Prize

At present, his attention is on establishing himself in the Real side and repaying his manager's belief.

He featured for over an hour in the 2-1 win at the Etihad, which sealed a five-one aggregate success and a quarter-final matchup with Bayern Munich.

He was replaced by another academy player in Angel underscored the coach's confidence in younger players to help the team chase trophies to come.

Following his impressive impact to date on European football's biggest stage, Pitarch is expected to be a central figure in that.

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