 He scored three goals during 2003–04 and four in the following season, while performing as a forward with the B-team.The club's coaches would, however, change his role into one of a winger, and he impressed in this position, ending 2005–06 with 11 third division goals; he also played one official game for the main squad, a Copa del Rey match against Zamora CF.Cristian signed for Deportivo de La Coruña as a free agent in the 2006–07 campaign, making his La Liga debut on 27 August 2006 as he came from the bench in a 3–2 home win over Real Zaragoza.