 He started regularly in his first years, but was already a fringe player in the 2000–01 campaign when the Aragonese won the Copa del Rey.In the summer of 2002, following Zaragoza's relegation, Vales moved to Sevilla FC also of the top flight.In his first season he was first-choice, notably scoring the game's only goal in a local derby against Real Betis on 2 March 2003.