After scoring nine league goals in his last two years combined (61 matches), Maceda earned himself a transfer to giants Real Madrid,[2] and netted five times in his debut campaign, which ended with a league/UEFA Cup conquest. However, after a freak injury with the national side, he was forced to retire in 1988 at only 31,[1][3] amassing Spanish top flight totals of 223 games and 24 goals.
Maceda served a stint as a radio commentator subsequently, then took up coaching, most notably with his first club, being one of four managers in 1997–98 as Sporting ranked last with an all-time low 13 points.[4]
Maceda retired from international play following the 1986 World Cup, after a serious injury. He had made his debut on 25 March 1981 in a friendly 1–2 win in England, the first time Spain won at Wembley Stadium.[5]