BUENOS AIRES, March 12 (Xinhua) -- Lucas Beltran scored twice as River Plate showed their title credentials with a 3-0 home victory over Godoy Cruz in Argentina's Primera Division on Sunday.

Beltran gave the hosts the lead just before the half-hour mark by combining with Nacho Fernandez before slotting a low finish past goalkeeper Diego Rodriguez.

River doubled the lead on the hour as Beltran converted a penalty after Rodriguez brought down Rodrigo Aliendro.

Esequiel Barco completed the rout with another well-taken penalty after Enzo Diaz was fouled by Luciano Cingolani.

The result lifts River to second in the 28-team standings with 15 points from seven matches, a point behind leaders San Lorenzo. Godoy Cruz are 14th, six points further back.

Earlier on Sunday, Racing Club won 1-0 at home to Sarmiento, and Estudiantes secured a 2-1 home victory over Huracan.