AC Milan striker Carlos Bacca scored twice as Colombia turned on the style to beat South American World Cup qualifying leaders Ecuador 3-1 on Tuesday.

Bacca, the 29-year-old forward who has been linked with a possible move to the English Premier League, scored a goal in each half as Colombia completed back-to-back victories after last week's late win over Bolivia.

The result saw Colombia move into third place in the standings with 10 points from six games, behind Uruguay on goal difference and Ecuador, who remain in front with 13 points.

Four other matches are taking place later Tuesday.

Colombia took the lead on 15 minutes when Real Madrid star James Rodriguez split the defence with a perfectly weighted pass for Bacca, who deftly turned his marker before firing into the corner.

Bacca went close shortly afterwards after another slick passing move from Colombia, who threatened to over-run Ecuador's porous defence for long periods in the first half.

Only poor finishing prevented the home side from settling the result by half-time, with Ecuador goalkeeper Alexander Dominguez twice denying Rodriguez in a matter of minutes.

Moments after half-time however Colombia doubled their lead.

Mexico-based midfielder Edwin Cardona darted down the left flank and curled in a cross for Sebastian Perez, who jabbed home a flying volley for 2-0.

Colombia made it 3-0 with Bacca's second on 67 minutes.

A swift counter-attack ended with Juan Cuadrado, currently on loan at Juventus from Chelsea, exchanging passes with Rodriguez to carve open the Ecuador defence for Bacca, who duly tucked away the finish.

Ecuador, the surprise package of the qualifying competition so far, grabbed a late consolation when substitute Michael Arroyo curled a fine free-kick into the top corner to beat Arsenal goalkeeper David Ospina.