The Reason Los Blancos Have 'Complete Faith' in Youngster Pitarch
When an 18-year-old creates Real Madrid history in a key Champions League tie against Manchester City, it inevitably draws acclaim and the spotlight.
During his maiden start in the competition - and fifth appearance for the team - the young midfielder suitably impressed as the 15-time European champions secured a 3-0 round of 16 first-leg lead at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The young player, who also made his Real debut in the play-off round a few weeks prior with a substitute appearance at Benfica, then helped the Madrid side defeat the English champions in Tuesday's return to confirm a quarter-final berth.
Aged 18 years old, Pitarch was the club's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, beating star Vini Jr's previous mark by 10 days.
Rapid Ascent Through The Academy
This talent is the most recent to emerge from the famed youth system and is quickly establishing himself as one of the manager's most promising young players.
He signed for Madrid from Leganes in 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico and Getafe academies, and initially featuring for the Juvenil C team, where he quickly made a positive impact.
He worked his way up to the reserve side and it was during a pre-season game in which they faced the senior squad, then managed by the former defender, where the teenager is said to have drawn the eye of the present manager, who took over from Xabi Alonso in January.
Reports would later describe the moment as "an instant connection," adding Pitarch excelled not only for his skill on the ball, but for the energy, personality and determination he added to the team.
'His Greatest Quality Is His Character'
In the pre-season of 2025, ex-manager Xabi Alonso called up Pitarch to train with the senior squad and awarded him minutes during pre-season.
Yet, it was the change in manager that proved the turning point in his career as he was introduced as a second-half replacement in both ties against the Portuguese side that set up the meeting with Pep Guardiola's team.
"I have dreamed of this every night when sleeping, the very first time I started playing the game, every day you head to training and each day you play a match," said Pitarch after his first appearance.
"I have just achieved my ambition with the best team in the world and in the best competition."
Handed a first start in La Liga against his former club - where he was for several seasons after arriving from Atletico in 2018 - he has retained his spot for the next four as injuries to Jude Bellingham and Ceballos created an opportunity.
The teenager has taken it with displays that have defied his youth and experience.
"He is a very quick footballer, and you can observe what he's capable of," said Arbeloa. "He is incredibly dynamic, with excellent stamina, effort and movement."
The player's mindset has also impressed his coach.
"His standout trait is his personality," continued he. "He constantly demands the ball, and when pressed, he doesn't feel it.
"I realize fans might be astonished to watch him start in a European fixture, but he is selected because I had complete trust in him to do what he usually does.
"He will keep receiving opportunities with the main squad. It's a pleasure to coach a player like him."
A Future International Decision
Pitarch was born in Fuenlabrada, in the Spanish capital's community, and grew up fully immersed in the local game, progressing through local academies before entering Real Madrid's famous La Fabrica system.
He holds dual Moroccan and Spanish citizenship, offering him the choice to represent either country at senior international level.
Under Fifa eligibility rules, players may represent multiple nations at junior level without being permanently tied, with the final decision only binding once they play in a competitive full international.
He has played for the Spanish national team at underage levels, representing both the U19 and under-20 teams, and participated in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where Spain made it to the quarter-finals.
Despite this, he has yet to commit to any senior national team, who are monitoring his rise with keen attention.
Speaking recently, Pitarch said: "I haven't made my ultimate choice so far. My situation is positive with the Spanish federation, but I will reach a conclusion soon."
This scenario mirrors that of other dual nationality players such as club colleague Brahim Diaz and Barca star Lamine Yamal. Whereas teenage Lamine chose La Roja, Brahim opted to represent the Atlas Lions.
Eyes on the Prize
At present, Pitarch's focus is on establishing himself in the Madrid lineup and rewarding his manager's belief.
He played over an hour in the two-one victory at the Etihad, which sealed a five-one aggregate success and a quarter-final tie with the German champions.
His substitution by fellow youth graduate in Manuel Angel to emphasise Arbeloa's trust in younger players to aid the club chase trophies to come.
Following his notable contributions to date on European football's biggest stage, the midfielder is expected to play a key role in that.
"The manager handles me the identical way. We deal with it very normally. I try not to think about it too much - I have to deserve my playing time on the pitch," he commented after the win at Etihad Stadium.