Sañudo returned to Torrelavega in 1934 after he finished his studies, and was approached to join Real Madrid. He signed professionally, and was a mainstay at the team helping them win the 1936 Copa del Presidente de la República. He participated in the biggest Real Madrid win over their rivals FC Barcelona, an 8-2 victory in 1935 where he scored 4 goals.[2] When the Spanish Civil War broke out, he was called to military service and played for the military sponsored-side Aviación Nacional.