López was born in Badajoz, Extremadura. After graduating from RCD Espanyol's youth system, he made his first-team debut in 2006–07, playing seven La Liga matches mostly always as a late substitute (he was initially summoned for the 2007 UEFA Cup Final against Sevilla FC, but eventually did not make the final list of 18). For the following season he was loaned to Sevilla Atlético in the second division, appearing rarely due to a severe injury.