Why Real Madrid Possess 'Complete Trust' in Youngster Pitarch
Whenever a 18-year-old creates club a historic moment in a key European tie against City, it naturally attracts praise and the spotlight.
During his maiden start in the competition - and fifth game for the club - the young midfielder made a strong impression as the fifteen-time European champions secured a three-nil last-16 first leg advantage at the Bernabeu.
The teenager, who also made his Real debut in the play-off round a few weeks prior with a substitute appearance at Benfica, then helped Los Blancos overcome the English Premier League side in the midweek second leg to confirm a last eight place.
Aged 18 years and 226 days, the midfielder was the team's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, beating Brazil forward Vini Jr's record by a week and a half.
Rapid Ascent From The Academy
This talent is the latest 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 Real from Leganes in 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico and Getafe's youth teams, and initially featuring for the under-19 side, where he quickly made a strong impression.
Pitarch worked his way up to the B team and it was in a friendly match in which they faced the senior squad, then managed by Arbeloa, where the youngster is said to have caught the attention of the present manager, who took over from Xabi Alonso in January.
Spanish media would later label the moment as "an instant connection," noting Pitarch excelled not only for his skill on the ball, but for the vitality, personality and drive he brought to the side.
'His Greatest Quality Is His Character'
During the summer of 2025, ex-manager Xabi Alonso called up the youngster to train with the senior squad and gave him minutes in the warm-up matches.
Yet, it was the change in manager that became the defining moment in his career as he came on as a late substitute in each leg against Benfica that led to the clash with Manchester City.
"I've dreamed of this each night when sleeping, the first day I started playing football, each day you go to train and every day you play a match," said the player following his first appearance.
"I have just achieved my ambition with the best team in the world and in the top tournament."
Given a starting debut in La Liga against his former club - where he was for several seasons after arriving from Atleti in 2018 - he has kept his spot for the next four as injuries to Bellingham and Dani Ceballos provided an opening.
The teenager has seized it with performances that have belied his youth and experience.
"He is a very quick player, and you can see his capabilities," remarked Arbeloa. "He's incredibly dynamic, with great stamina, effort and movement."
The player's mindset has also stood out to his coach.
"His greatest quality is his personality," continued Arbeloa. "He always wants the ball, and even under pressure, he remains unfazed.
"I understand people are surprised to watch him start in a Champions League match, but he is selected because I had total confidence in him to do his normal game.
"He will keep receiving opportunities with the main squad. It is delightful to have a talent like him."
A Future International Decision
Pitarch was born in a Madrid suburb, in the Spanish capital's community, and grew up deeply involved in Spanish football, progressing through youth setups before entering the club's renowned La Fabrica system.
He holds dual Spanish and Moroccan citizenship, giving him the option to represent both nations at senior international level.
Under Fifa eligibility rules, footballers may appear for multiple nations at youth level without being locked in, with the final decision only binding once they play in a official full international.
He has featured for the Spanish national team at youth level, turning out for both the under-19 and under-20 sides, and participated in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where Spain made it to the last eight.
Nevertheless, he has not yet decided to any senior national team, who are monitoring his progress with keen attention.
Speaking recently, the player said: "I haven't made my final decision so far. My situation is positive with Spain, but I will reach a decision in the near future."
His situation mirrors that of other dual nationality talents such as club colleague Diaz and Barcelona forward Yamal. While 18-year-old Yamal opted for La Roja, Brahim decided to play for Morocco.
Eyes on the Prize
At present, his attention is on establishing himself in the Real side and repaying Arbeloa's faith.
He featured for 74 minutes in the 2-1 victory at City, which completed a 5-1 overall triumph and a last-eight tie with Bayern Munich.
His substitution by fellow youth graduate in Angel to emphasise Arbeloa's trust in younger players to aid the club chase future success.
Following his notable contributions so far 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 handle it very normally. I attempt not to overanalyze it excessively - I must earn my playing time on the pitch," he commented following the win at Manchester.