 During the summer of 2007, Lopo's status at the club increased, significantly, as stoppers Juanma and Andrade both left the club, the former on a free transfer to CD Tenerife whereas the Portuguese was sold to Juventus FC – he himself confirmed that Deportivo rejected a €5 million offer from Real Zaragoza for him.However, he would spend the first five months out of action, due to a recurrent leg injury.An everpresent fixture throughout 2008–09, Lopo headed in the 2–1 home winner in the league opener against Real Madrid.