 He was out of action for two weeks, subsequently netting on 2 November 2008 in a 3–0 away defeat of Real Betis.Riki again suffered physical problems in the following season, but made the most of his 1,492 minutes as he scored eight goals, notably netting in the first round, a 2–3 loss at Real Madrid, and in both matches against Xerez CD (3–0 away, 2–1 at home); the Galicians eventually finished in tenth position.After his team's relegation in 2011, Riki netted 14 times as they bounced back as champions of the second division, including early strikes in home and away victories over RC Celta de Vigo in the Galician derby.