 Born in Ciudad Real, Castile-La Mancha, Rivas started playing as a senior in Atlético Madrid's reserves, but could never break into the first team.In the 2002–03 campaign, he served a loan at neighbouring Getafe CF in Segunda División.Having returned to the "Colchoneros", Rivas was definitely waived and, in January 2004, had a second Getafe spell, still contributing with 17 games to a first ever top-flight promotion.