In 2003, Espínola went to Ecuador to play for LDU Quito, where he had considerable success winning a national championship in 2003 and in 2005. In the last game of the 2006 season, Espínola was involved in a melee during a match against Barcelona. During the melee, Espínola kicked Leonardo Soledispa in the face. He received a one-year suspension for his actions.