for the 2004–05 campaign, palacios joined soria's cd numancia, where he was an undisputed first-choice from the start, helping the side return to the top level in 2008. in late june 2010, after a combined 52 league appearances in two seasons, 19 in the top tier in 2008–09, the 35-year-old retired from the game, becoming his last club's director of football.