 He made his first-team debut on 24 September 2003 in a UEFA Cup first-round tie against AIK Fotboll, at 18 years and 20 days, but spent the first year still registered with the B-side.In August 2004, whilst travelling to sign a deal to join Getafe CF on loan, Albiol was involved in a serious car accident, being put in intensive care.He managed to recover completely and, after reappearing in January, played a very important part in the Madrid side surviving the relegation battle