It wasn’t a night for the defences but River Plate’s formidable attack eventually proved too much for Melgar in the Copa Libertadores, moving Marcelo Gallardo’s side into a commanding early lead in Group Three.

River’s defence was caught sleeping within minutes of kickoff in the Monumental and allowed Emanuel Herrera to poke the Peruvian visitors into a shock lead but the response was emphatic.

The increasingly influential Nacho Fernández equalised with a delightful backheel before Sebastián Driussi swiftly gave River the lead from close range.

Not to be perturbed Melgar struck back again and Herrera was allowed to nod in a second by River’s absent backline.

However, a crazy opening 26 minutes was capped off by young centre-back Lucas Martínez Quarta reestablishing River’s lead with a bicycle kick.

With the game finally settled down it was left to Sebastián Driussi to ensure River’s victory with a powerful finish shortly after the hour mark.

River travel to face Emelec in a couple of weeks but are well on track for qualification after gaining maximum points from their opening fixtures.