Born in
Moncada, Valencia, Tendillo started his professional career with local
Valencia CF, being first choice since the age of 18 (29
La Liga games in his
first full season, which culminated with the
UEFA Cup Winners' Cup conquest – he started in
the final against
Arsenal). On 1 May 1983, in the last fixture of
the campaign, he scored the only goal in a 1–0 win over
Real Madrid; the result meant that his team avoided relegation on goal difference, while the opposition lost the title to
Athletic Bilbao by one point. After 274 official appearances with Valencia, Tendillo moved to
Real Murcia CF upon the
Che's
1986 relegation, and produced another solid
season, which earned him the interest of league powerhouse Real Madrid as a replacement to long-time injured player
Antonio Maceda. A starter in three of his five years, he helped the club to three leagues and as many
Supercopa de España trophies. ==International career==