 In 2003 he moved abroad, joining Atlético Madrid, making his La Liga debut on 31 August in a 0–1 away loss against Sevilla FC and only missing four matches during the season as the "Colchoneros" eventually finished seventh and qualified for the UEFA Intertoto Cup.Subsequently, Lequi signed with Italy's S.S. Lazio, going pretty much unnoticed during his one season-spell.For 2005–06 he returned to Spain, being loaned to RC Celta de Vigo; as the Galicians finished in sixth position and reached the UEFA Cup straight from Segunda División, he was heavily featured, scoring against Real Madrid (2–1 home defeat) and former team Atlético (opening a 3–0 away win).