16/05 - 20:00
Argentina secured a historic 1-0 win over rivals Brazil on Tuesday night in a very tense Superclasico de las Americas at Maracana.
The start of the match was delayed by half an hour due to fighting among fans at the Maracana. It started in the stands during the national anthems, leading to Brazilian police confronting Argentine supporters.
And in response, the Argentine fans tore up seats and threw them at the advancing officers.
The game eventually kicked off 27 minutes late, but the atmosphere remained contaminated by the earlier scenes of violence.
The tension spilled onto the pitch, intensifying Brazil's approach, with the first half was marked by a series of battles, with 22 fouls, three bookings, and a nervy atmosphere as players from both teams frequently clashed.
The hosts had the upper hand and came close to scoring just before half-time, with Gabriel Martinelli's strike cleared off the goal line by defender Christian Romero.
Brazil's best opportunity in the second half came when Martinelli missed a clear chance, shooting straight at the goalkeeper from close range.
The visitors capitalised on one of the few chances they created in the 63rd minute, as defender Nicolas Otamendi headed in a corner delivered by Giovani Lo Celso.
Argentina's lone shot on target proved decisive, and Brazil's frustration grew when substitute midfielder Joelinton was sent off for hitting Rodrigo de Paul in the face in the 82nd minute, just three minutes after coming off the bench.
This defeat marked the first time that Brazil had ever lost a home World Cup qualifying match after a previous 64-match unbeaten run.
0-1 | ||
Nicolás Otamendi 63' |
