Born in Santa Coloma de Gramenet, Barcelona, Catalonia, Tamudo was a product of RCD Espanyol's youth ranks who bought him from local UDA Gramenet for six footballs, and he served two Segunda División six-month loans before finally settling in 1999–2000. From there on he became an undisputed starter for the team, never scoring in single digits during nine La Liga seasons and helping the "Pericos" to two Copa del Rey trophies: in the 2000 final against Atlético Madrid, he netted by stealing the ball from goalkeeper Toni Jiménez with his head; he also played a vital role in the 2006 edition, scoring in the second minute of the match and subsequently assisting Luis García on the second goal.