 He also represented Espanyol and Sporting de Gijón in the competition.Born in Barakaldo, Biscay, Lafuente was a graduate of Lezama, the famed Athletic Bilbao youth academy.He made his debut with the first team in 1999–2000 after serving two loans at modest Basque neighbours, adding another with Elche CF three years later; after replacing Imanol Etxeberria he competed with Dani Aranzubia for first-choice status during several La Liga seasons, appearing in 36 games in 2000–01 and adding 30 the following campaign.