Estudiantes will have expected to beat Real Garcilaso in the Estadio Ciudad de La Plata but after taking a point from the trip to Nacional two weeks ago, El Pincha will be more than satisfied with how they have started this year’s Copa Libertadores.

Some excellent stops by Garcilaso goalkeeper Diego Morales, wayward finishing and Lucas Rodríguez unluckily hitting the inside of the post saw the Peruvian visitors hold Estudiantes to the break but after a brief delay in the second half for a hail storm, El Pincha forced a breakthrough.

Minutes after the restart, a corner from the right found its way to the back post and Lucas Melano volleyed the ball past Morales.

A penalty awarded for a clumsy handball against Iván Santillán allowed Mariano Pavone to double the lead and four minutes from time, the veteran striker slotted in his second to wrap up the points.

Four points from the opening two fixtures and with Santos already losing away to Garcilaso, Estudiantes have made almost a perfect start in their hope of reaching the last 16.