Whenever a 18-year-old creates Real Madrid a historic moment in a crucial Champions League tie against City, it naturally attracts acclaim and attention.
In only his maiden start in the competition - and fifth game for the team - the young midfielder suitably impressed as the fifteen-time Champions League winners secured a 3-0 last-16 first-leg lead at the Bernabeu.
The teenager, who also had his club debut in the play-off round a month ago with a substitute appearance at Sporting Lisbon, then helped the Madrid side overcome the English Premier League side in Tuesday's second leg to confirm a quarter-final place.
At 18 years old, the midfielder became 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 a week and a half.
The midfielder is the most recent to emerge from the famed youth system and is rapidly cementing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most exciting protegees.
He joined Real from CD Leganes in the summer of 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico Madrid and Getafe's youth teams, and starting out for the under-19 side, where he rapidly created a positive impact.
He worked his way up to the reserve side and it was in a pre-season game in which they faced the academy's first team, then managed by Arbeloa, 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.
Spanish media would later label the moment as "love at first sight," noting Pitarch excelled not only for his skill on the ball, but for the vitality, character and drive he brought to the team.
In the pre-season of 2025, ex-manager Xabi Alonso invited Pitarch to train with the first team and gave him playing time during pre-season.
Yet, it was Arbeloa's appointment that became the defining moment in his career as he came on as a second-half replacement in both ties against Benfica that set up the meeting with Pep Guardiola's team.
"I have dreamed of this every night when sleeping, the first day I began playing football, each day you go to train and every day you play a match," said the player following his first appearance.
"I've just fulfilled my ambition with the greatest club in the planet and in the top tournament."
Handed a starting debut in La Liga against his former club - where he spent four years after arriving from Atleti in 2018 - he has kept his spot for the next four as injuries to Jude Bellingham and Dani Ceballos provided an opening.
Pitarch has seized it with displays that have defied his youth and inexperience.
"He is a extremely fast footballer, and you can observe what he's capable of," remarked Arbeloa. "He's incredibly dynamic, with great stamina, work-rate and movement."
The player's mindset has also impressed his manager.
"His standout trait is his personality," added Arbeloa. "He always wants the possession, and when pressed, he doesn't feel it.
"I realize fans might be astonished to see him start in a European fixture, but he's playing because I had complete trust in him to perform his normal game.
"Thiago will continue to get opportunities with the main squad. It's a pleasure to coach a talent like him."
Born in Fuenlabrada, in the Spanish capital's community, and grew up fully immersed in Spanish football, moving through local academies before joining the club's renowned La Fabrica system.
He holds both Spanish and Moroccan citizenship, giving him the option to represent both nations at the highest level.
According to international regulations, footballers may appear for multiple nations at youth level without being locked in, with the final decision only binding once they appear in a official full international.
Pitarch has played for the Spanish national team at youth level, representing both the U19 and U20 sides, and took part in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where La Roja made it to the quarter-finals.
Despite this, he has not yet decided to any senior national team, who are watching his progress with keen attention.
Speaking recently, Pitarch said: "I haven't made my final decision so far. Things are positive with Spain, but I will reach a conclusion in the near future."
This scenario echoes that of other bi-national players such as club colleague Diaz and Barca star Lamine Yamal. While teenage Lamine chose Spain, Brahim decided to play for Morocco.
At present, Pitarch's focus is on establishing himself in the Madrid lineup and repaying his manager's belief.
He featured for over an hour in the 2-1 win at the Etihad, which completed a 5-1 aggregate success and a quarter-final tie with Bayern Munich.
His substitution by another academy player in Manuel Angel underscored the coach's confidence in the next generation to aid the club chase future success.
Following his notable contributions to date on European football's biggest stage, the midfielder is tipped to play a key role in that.
"Arbeloa treats me the same. We deal with it very naturally. I attempt not to think about it too much - I must earn my minutes on the pitch," he commented following the success at Etihad Stadium.
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