Seeking to build on their win against Venezuela in June, the hosts were completely dominant in the opening half-hour. Their play was rewarded with a breakthrough in the 14th minute when Facundo Pellistri found time and space on the right flank, and his pinpoint cross was emphatically headed home by Rodrigo Aguirre.
Giorgian de Arrascaeta had two chances to extend the lead, but Pedro Gallese saved his exquisite volley on the turn before he side-footed just wide from the edge of the area.
The visitors took some time to adjust to the match, but they started to create openings as the half wore on. The best of these fell to veteran midfielder Yoshimar Yotun, but Sergio Rochet easily saved his curling shot from the edge of the area.
The pulsating first half saw 19 shots shared between the sides, but Aguirre’s header was the difference going into HT. The visitors made a double substitution at the break, but almost fell two goals behind just seconds after the restart.
A swift flowing move found De Arrascaeta free on the edge of the area, but Gallese was on hand again to deny him with a fine save low to his right.
With the game flowing from end to end, the second goal felt crucial, and it came for the hosts just before the hour mark. Having come close on three occasions, De Arrascaeta finally got on the scoresheet as he lashed a fierce volley off the underside of the bar from close range, crushing any hopes of a Peruvian comeback.
The result was put beyond doubt when Federico Vinas added a third with 10 minutes to go, helping Uruguay climb into the top three of the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying group. Peru’s race is now run, with their final game’s sole significance lying in avoiding finishing at the foot of the table.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Giorgian de Arrascaeta (Uruguay)