After spells at both Girona FC and Real Zaragoza, Balmanya found his first taste of success at Real Oviedo when he guided them to second place in Segunda División, Group 1 in  1955. However Real missed out on promotion after finishing only third in a play-off group.
After stints at both Girona FC and Real Zaragoza, Balmanya discovered his initial taste of triumph at Real Oviedo when he led them to second position in Segunda División, Group 1 in 1955. However, Real failed to secure promotion after finishing only third in a playoff group.