[1] Born in Lucena, Córdoba, Andalusia, Palanca made his debut as a senior with CDC Torreforta in the 1975–76 season, in the regional leagues.
In 1976 he joined Tercera División side Gimnàstic de Tarragona, being a regular starter in the club's two consecutive promotions.
Palanca made his professional debut on 2 September 1979, starting in a 0–3 away loss against Recreativo de Huelva for the second level championship.
[4] In 1996, after a three-year spell at UD Torredembarra, he was appointed UE Valls manager, taking the club to Primera Catalana in his first season.
[5] In 1999, Palanca was named manager of CF Reus Deportiu in the fourth division, being in charge for two seasons[6] before moving to the role of director of football.