🔗 Share this article The Reason Real Madrid Possess 'Complete Trust' in Teenager Pitarch The teenager has featured in seven games for the Spanish giants, featuring five appearances in the starting lineup. Whenever a teenage creates club history in a crucial Champions League match against City, it inevitably draws praise 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 Champions League winners secured a 3-0 last-16 first-leg advantage at the Santiago Bernabeu. The teenager, who also had his club debut in the play-off round a few weeks prior with a cameo off the bench at Benfica, then assisted Los Blancos overcome the English champions in the midweek return to secure a last eight place. At 18 years old, the midfielder became the team's youngest player to begin two matches in the Champions League knockout stages, beating star Vinicius Jr's previous mark by 10 days. A Meteoric Rise From The Academy The midfielder is the most recent to emerge from the club's academy and is quickly establishing himself as one of the manager's most exciting young players. He signed for Real from Leganes in 2023, having previously been with Atletico Madrid and Getafe's youth teams, and starting out 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 faced the senior squad, then coached by Arbeloa, where the youngster is said to have caught the attention of the present manager, who took over from the previous coach in the new year. Reports would later label the moment as "an instant connection," noting Pitarch stood out not only for his skill on the ball, but for the energy, personality and determination he brought to the side. 'His Best Attribute Remains His Personality' In the pre-season of 2025, former boss Alonso invited Pitarch to practice with the senior squad and gave him playing time in pre-season. Yet, it was the change in manager that proved the turning point in his development as he was introduced as a second-half replacement in both ties against Benfica that led to the meeting 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 play a match," said Pitarch following his first appearance. "I have just achieved my dream with the best team in the world and in the top tournament." Given a first start in La Liga against his former club - where he was for several seasons after moving from Atleti in 2018 - he has retained his place for the following four as injuries to Bellingham and Ceballos provided an opportunity. Pitarch has taken it with performances that have belied his youth and inexperience. "He's a very quick footballer, and you can see his capabilities," remarked the coach. "He's incredibly energetic, with great stamina, work-rate and mobility." Pitarch's mentality has also impressed his coach. "His standout trait is his personality," continued he. "He always wants the possession, and even under pressure, he doesn't feel it. "I understand fans might be astonished to watch him make his debut in a Champions League match, but he is selected because I had complete confidence in him to perform his normal game. "He will continue to get chances with the main squad. It's a pleasure to have a talent like him." A Future International Decision Born in Fuenlabrada, in the Spanish capital's community, and was raised deeply involved in Spanish football, progressing through local academies before entering the club's renowned youth academy. He holds both Moroccan and Spanish citizenship, giving him the choice to play for either country 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 binding once they appear in a official full international. Pitarch has played for the Spanish national team at underage levels, turning out for both the U19 and U20 teams, and took part in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where Spain reached the quarter-finals. Despite this, he has yet to commit to any senior national team, who are watching his progress with interest. In a recent interview, the player confirmed: "I haven't made my final decision yet. Things are positive with the Spanish federation, but I will reach a conclusion in the near future." His situation echoes that of other dual nationality talents such as club colleague Diaz and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal. While 18-year-old Yamal opted for La Roja, Diaz decided to represent the Atlas Lions. Focus on the Future At present, his attention is on establishing himself in the Madrid lineup and repaying his manager's belief. He featured for 74 minutes in the 2-1 win at City, which completed a five-one overall triumph and a last-eight tie with Bayern Munich. His substitution 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. Following his notable contributions so far on the Champions League, Pitarch is tipped to be a central figure in that. "Arbeloa treats me the same. We deal with it very naturally. I attempt not to overanalyze it excessively - I must deserve my playing time on the pitch," he commented following the win at Etihad Stadium.
The teenager has featured in seven games for the Spanish giants, featuring five appearances in the starting lineup. Whenever a teenage creates club history in a crucial Champions League match against City, it inevitably draws praise 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 Champions League winners secured a 3-0 last-16 first-leg advantage at the Santiago Bernabeu. The teenager, who also had his club debut in the play-off round a few weeks prior with a cameo off the bench at Benfica, then assisted Los Blancos overcome the English champions in the midweek return to secure a last eight place. At 18 years old, the midfielder became the team's youngest player to begin two matches in the Champions League knockout stages, beating star Vinicius Jr's previous mark by 10 days. A Meteoric Rise From The Academy The midfielder is the most recent to emerge from the club's academy and is quickly establishing himself as one of the manager's most exciting young players. He signed for Real from Leganes in 2023, having previously been with Atletico Madrid and Getafe's youth teams, and starting out 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 faced the senior squad, then coached by Arbeloa, where the youngster is said to have caught the attention of the present manager, who took over from the previous coach in the new year. Reports would later label the moment as "an instant connection," noting Pitarch stood out not only for his skill on the ball, but for the energy, personality and determination he brought to the side. 'His Best Attribute Remains His Personality' In the pre-season of 2025, former boss Alonso invited Pitarch to practice with the senior squad and gave him playing time in pre-season. Yet, it was the change in manager that proved the turning point in his development as he was introduced as a second-half replacement in both ties against Benfica that led to the meeting 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 play a match," said Pitarch following his first appearance. "I have just achieved my dream with the best team in the world and in the top tournament." Given a first start in La Liga against his former club - where he was for several seasons after moving from Atleti in 2018 - he has retained his place for the following four as injuries to Bellingham and Ceballos provided an opportunity. Pitarch has taken it with performances that have belied his youth and inexperience. "He's a very quick footballer, and you can see his capabilities," remarked the coach. "He's incredibly energetic, with great stamina, work-rate and mobility." Pitarch's mentality has also impressed his coach. "His standout trait is his personality," continued he. "He always wants the possession, and even under pressure, he doesn't feel it. "I understand fans might be astonished to watch him make his debut in a Champions League match, but he is selected because I had complete confidence in him to perform his normal game. "He will continue to get chances with the main squad. It's a pleasure to have a talent like him." A Future International Decision Born in Fuenlabrada, in the Spanish capital's community, and was raised deeply involved in Spanish football, progressing through local academies before entering the club's renowned youth academy. He holds both Moroccan and Spanish citizenship, giving him the choice to play for either country 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 binding once they appear in a official full international. Pitarch has played for the Spanish national team at underage levels, turning out for both the U19 and U20 teams, and took part in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where Spain reached the quarter-finals. Despite this, he has yet to commit to any senior national team, who are watching his progress with interest. In a recent interview, the player confirmed: "I haven't made my final decision yet. Things are positive with the Spanish federation, but I will reach a conclusion in the near future." His situation echoes that of other dual nationality talents such as club colleague Diaz and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal. While 18-year-old Yamal opted for La Roja, Diaz decided to represent the Atlas Lions. Focus on the Future At present, his attention is on establishing himself in the Madrid lineup and repaying his manager's belief. He featured for 74 minutes in the 2-1 win at City, which completed a five-one overall triumph and a last-eight tie with Bayern Munich. His substitution 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. Following his notable contributions so far on the Champions League, Pitarch is tipped to be a central figure in that. "Arbeloa treats me the same. We deal with it very naturally. I attempt not to overanalyze it excessively - I must deserve my playing time on the pitch," he commented following the win at Etihad Stadium.