Born in A Veiga, Ourense, Galicia, Álvarez made his senior debut at Venezuelan club Banco Obrero, after moving to the country at the age of 15.
[1] In 1960 Álvarez moved to La Liga side Granada CF, making his debut in the competition on 11 September in a 0–1 loss at Real Sociedad.
[3] After suffering relegation, Álvarez moved to Real Murcia in the second level in 1962, and achieved promotion back to the top tier at first attempt.
[4] Álvarez started his managerial career with lower clubs in his native region, had a spell at CD Guadalajara,[5] taking the side back to Tercera División at first attempt.
[6] Álvarez was subsequently appointed in charge of second tier clubs Elche CF, Racing de Santander[7] and UD Alzira in the following campaigns, suffering relegation with the latter.