Whenever a 18-year-old creates Real Madrid history in a crucial Champions League match against City, it naturally attracts praise and the spotlight.
In only his first start in the competition - and fifth appearance for the team - the young midfielder suitably impressed as the fifteen-time European champions claimed a three-nil round of 16 first-leg advantage at the Bernabeu.
The teenager, who also made his Real debut in the qualifying round a month ago with a cameo off the bench at Benfica, then helped Los Blancos defeat the English champions in Tuesday's return to secure a quarter-final berth.
Aged 18 years old, the midfielder was the club's most youthful starter to begin two matches in the Champions League's latter rounds, surpassing Brazil forward Vinicius Jr's record by 10 days.
This talent is the most recent to come through from the club's academy and is rapidly cementing himself as one of the manager's most promising young players.
He signed for Real from Leganes in 2023, having previously been with Atletico Madrid and Getafe youth teams, and initially featuring for the Juvenil C team, where he rapidly created a strong impression.
Pitarch progressed to the reserve side and it was during a friendly match in which they played against the senior squad, then coached by the former defender, where the youngster is said to have drawn the eye of the present manager, who took over from the previous coach in the new year.
Reports would later describe the moment as "an instant connection," noting Pitarch excelled not only for his technical ability, but for the energy, personality and drive he brought to the side.
In the summer of 2025, ex-manager Alonso invited Pitarch to train with the first team and awarded him playing time in the warm-up matches.
Yet, it was the change in manager that became the turning point in his career as he was introduced as a late substitute in both ties against the Portuguese side that set up the clash with Pep Guardiola's team.
"I have dreamed of this every night when sleeping, the very first time I started playing the game, each day you head to training and every day you play a match," stated Pitarch following his first appearance.
"I've just achieved my dream with the best team in the world and in the best competition."
Handed a first start in the Spanish league against Getafe - where he was for four years after moving from Atletico in 2018 - he has retained his place for the following four as injuries to Jude Bellingham and Ceballos created an opportunity.
Pitarch has seized it with performances that have belied his age and inexperience.
"He is a extremely fast player, and you can see what he's capable of," said Arbeloa. "He is incredibly energetic, with excellent stamina, work-rate and movement."
Pitarch's mentality has also stood out to his coach.
"His standout trait is his personality," continued Arbeloa. "He always wants the possession, and when pressed, he remains unfazed.
"I realize fans might be astonished to see him make his debut in a European fixture, but he's playing because I had total confidence in him to perform what he usually does.
"He will continue to get chances with the main squad. It is delightful to coach a talent like him."
Pitarch was born in a Madrid suburb, in the Spanish capital's community, and grew up deeply involved in Spanish football, moving through local academies before joining the club's renowned youth academy.
He possesses dual Moroccan and Spanish nationality, offering him the choice to play for both nations at senior international level.
Under Fifa eligibility rules, players may appear for multiple nations at youth level without being locked in, with the ultimate choice only final once they play in a official senior international match.
He has played for Spain at underage levels, representing both the U19 and under-20 sides, and participated in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where La Roja made it to the quarter-finals.
Despite this, he has yet to commit to any senior national team, who are watching his rise with keen attention.
Speaking recently, Pitarch confirmed: "I have not taken my ultimate choice yet. My situation is positive with Spain, but I will reach a conclusion soon."
His situation mirrors that of other bi-national talents such as club colleague Brahim Diaz and Barca star Yamal. Whereas 18-year-old Lamine opted for La Roja, Diaz decided to play for Morocco.
At present, his attention is on making his mark in the Madrid lineup and rewarding his manager's belief.
He played over an hour in the two-one win at the Etihad, which completed a 5-1 aggregate success and a quarter-final tie with the German champions.
His substitution by another academy player in Angel underscored Arbeloa's trust in the next generation to help the team pursue future success.
Following his impressive impact to date on European football's biggest stage, Pitarch is tipped to play a key role in that.
"The manager handles me the same. We deal with it very naturally. I attempt not to overanalyze it excessively - I have to earn my playing time on the pitch," he commented after the success at Manchester.
