[3] Initially a backup to Wilfred Agbonavbare, he benefitted from an injury to the Nigerian in the second round to make his La Liga debut against CD Logroñés, although he finished the campaign on the bench again.

He was an undisputed starter during his six-year spell, winning the Ricardo Zamora Trophy in his first season, qualifying for the UEFA Cup immediately afterwards and making nearly 300 competitive appearances.

[4][5] Jiménez regained first-choice status at Elche CF,[6] but returned to the top flight and Espanyol in January 2003 when new boss Javier Clemente requested his signing.

[7] At the end of the following campaign, he retired from the game at almost 34; he stayed connected with the latter in directorial capacities, leaving in March 2006 when director of football Cristóbal Parralo also resigned.

In May 2009 he returned to the club as goalkeeper coach and, two years later, signed with Espanyol as assistant to Mauricio Pochettino;[9] the pair linked up again in January 2013, after the latter was appointed at Southampton.