Why Los Blancos Have 'Utter Faith' in Youngster Pitarch
When an 18-year-old creates Real Madrid history in a key Champions League match against Manchester City, it naturally attracts praise and the spotlight.
In only his maiden start in the tournament - and fifth appearance for the team - the young midfielder suitably impressed as the fifteen-time Champions League winners secured a three-nil round of 16 first leg lead at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The teenager, who also made his club 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 the midweek second leg to confirm a last eight berth.
At 18 years and 226 days, Pitarch became the club's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, surpassing Brazil forward Vini Jr's previous mark by a week and a half.
A Meteoric Rise Through The Academy
The midfielder is the latest to emerge from the club's academy and is rapidly cementing himself as one of the manager's most promising protegees.
He joined Real from CD Leganes in the summer of 2023, having previously been with Atletico and Getafe academies, and initially featuring for the under-19 side, where he rapidly created a strong impression.
Pitarch progressed to the B team and it was in a pre-season game in which they played against the senior squad, then coached by Arbeloa, where the youngster is said to have caught the attention of the current Real boss, who replaced the previous coach in the new year.
Reports would later label the moment as "love at first sight," noting Pitarch stood out not only for his skill on the ball, but for the vitality, character and determination he added to the side.
'His Greatest Quality Remains His Personality'
During the summer of 2025, former boss Xabi Alonso invited the youngster to practice with the senior squad and gave him playing time during the warm-up matches.
However, it was Arbeloa's appointment that became the turning point in his career as he came on as a second-half replacement in each leg against the Portuguese side that set up the clash with Pep Guardiola's team.
"I have dreamed of this every night before going to bed, the first day I started playing the game, each day you head to training and every day you play a match," stated the player after his first appearance.
"I have just achieved my dream with the best team in the world and in the best competition."
Handed a starting debut in the Spanish league against his former club - where he was for four years after moving from Atletico in 2018 - he has retained his place for the next four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Dani Ceballos created an opening.
Pitarch has taken it with displays that have defied his age and experience.
"He's a extremely fast player, and you can see his capabilities," said the coach. "He's incredibly dynamic, with excellent endurance, effort and movement."
The player's mindset has also impressed his manager.
"His standout trait is his personality," continued Arbeloa. "He always wants the possession, and even under pressure, he remains unfazed.
"I realize fans might be surprised to see him make his debut in a Champions League match, but he is selected because I had complete trust in him to do his normal game.
"He will keep receiving chances with the main squad. It is delightful to have a player like him."
Spain or Morocco?
Pitarch was born in Fuenlabrada, in the Madrid region, and grew up fully immersed in Spanish football, progressing through youth setups before joining Real Madrid's famous La Fabrica system.
He holds both Moroccan and Spanish nationality, giving him the choice to play for either country at the highest level.
Under international regulations, footballers may represent different countries at junior level without being permanently tied, with the ultimate choice only binding once they appear in a official senior international match.
Pitarch has played for the Spanish national team at underage levels, turning out for both the under-19 and U20 sides, 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 full national side, who are monitoring his progress with keen attention.
Speaking recently, the player confirmed: "I haven't made my final decision so far. My situation is positive with the Spanish federation, but I will reach a conclusion soon."
His situation echoes that of other bi-national talents such as club colleague Diaz and Barca star Lamine Yamal. While 18-year-old Lamine chose Spain, Diaz decided to play for the Atlas Lions.
Eyes on the Prize
At present, his attention is on making his mark in the Madrid lineup and rewarding Arbeloa's faith.
He played over an hour in the 2-1 win at the Etihad, which completed a five-one overall triumph and a quarter-final matchup with the German champions.
His substitution by another academy player in Angel underscored Arbeloa's trust in younger players to aid the club pursue future success.
Following his impressive impact 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 normally. I attempt not to overanalyze it too much - I must earn my playing time on the pitch," he said following the success at Etihad Stadium.