Whenever a teenage makes Real Madrid history in a key Champions League match against City, it inevitably draws praise and the spotlight.
During his maiden start in the tournament - and fifth appearance for the club - the young midfielder made a strong impression as the fifteen-time European champions claimed a three-nil last-16 first-leg advantage at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The young player, who also had his club debut in the qualifying round a few weeks prior with a substitute appearance at Benfica, then helped the Madrid side overcome the English champions in Tuesday's second leg to secure a last eight berth.
At 18 years and 226 days, the midfielder became the team's most youthful starter to begin two matches in the Champions League knockout stages, surpassing Brazil forward Vinicius Jr's record by a week and a half.
This talent is the most recent to emerge from the famed youth system and is quickly establishing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most exciting young players.
He joined Madrid from CD Leganes in the summer of 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico and Getafe's youth teams, and starting out for the under-19 side, where he rapidly created a strong impression.
Pitarch progressed to the reserve side and it was in a friendly match in which they faced the academy's first team, then coached by Arbeloa, where the youngster is said to have drawn the eye of the current Real boss, who replaced Xabi Alonso in January.
Reports would later label the moment as "an instant connection," adding he excelled not only for his technical ability, but for the energy, personality and drive he added to the team.
In the pre-season of 2025, former boss Alonso called up the youngster to train with the senior squad and awarded him minutes in the warm-up matches.
However, it was the change in manager that proved the defining moment in his development as he came on as a late substitute in each leg against the Portuguese side that led to the clash with Manchester City.
"I have dreamed of this every night before going to bed, the very first time I began playing football, every day you head to training and each day you have a game," stated the player after his debut.
"I have just achieved my ambition 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 four years after arriving from Atletico in 2018 - he has retained his spot for the following four as fitness issues to Bellingham and Dani Ceballos created an opportunity.
The teenager has seized it with displays that have belied his youth and inexperience.
"He's a extremely fast player, and you can see his capabilities," said Arbeloa. "He is extremely dynamic, with excellent endurance, work-rate and movement."
The player's mindset has also stood out to his manager.
"His greatest quality is his character," continued Arbeloa. "He constantly demands the possession, and even under pressure, he remains unfazed.
"I realize people are astonished to see him make his debut in a European fixture, but he's playing because I had total confidence in him to perform his normal game.
"He will keep receiving opportunities with the first team. It's a pleasure to have a player like him."
Pitarch was born in a Madrid suburb, in the Spanish capital's community, and was raised deeply involved in the local game, moving through youth setups before joining the club's renowned La Fabrica system.
He possesses dual Spanish and Moroccan nationality, giving him the choice to play for either country at senior international level.
Under Fifa eligibility rules, footballers may represent multiple nations at junior level without being locked in, with the ultimate choice only final once they play in a competitive senior international match.
Pitarch has played for Spain at youth level, representing both the under-19 and under-20 teams, and took part in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where Spain reached the last eight.
Nevertheless, he has yet to commit to any full national side, who are monitoring his progress with keen attention.
Speaking recently, the player said: "I have not taken my ultimate choice so far. My situation is positive with the Spanish federation, but I'll make a conclusion in the near future."
His situation mirrors that of other dual nationality players such as club colleague Brahim Diaz and Barcelona forward Yamal. Whereas 18-year-old Lamine chose Spain, Brahim decided to represent the Atlas Lions.
At present, Pitarch's focus is on making his mark in the Real side and rewarding his manager's belief.
He featured for over an hour in the two-one victory at the Etihad, which sealed a 5-1 overall triumph and a last-eight tie with Bayern Munich.
His substitution by another academy player in Angel to emphasise Arbeloa's trust in younger players to aid the club chase trophies to come.
After his impressive impact to date on European football's biggest stage, the midfielder is tipped to play a key role in that.
"The manager treats me the same. We deal with it very normally. I try not to think about it too much - I have to earn my playing time on the pitch," he said following the win at Etihad Stadium.
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