Toughness on the pitch, brawls in the stands: Argentina beat Brazil in a tense match

Argentina defeated Brazil 1-0 as a guest in a tense match both on the field and in the stands.

The meeting of the sixth round of South American qualifiers for the World Cup was played at the "Maracana", while the start of the game was delayed half an hour after the riots that broke out in the stands.

VIDEO:

Argentina fans and Brazilian police clashed in the stands. Argentina's goalkeeper, Emiliano Martinez, even intervened and managed to hit one of the policemen.

Argentina captain Lionel Messi then led his teammates to the dressing room in protest. "Albiceleste" did not want to play until the safety of their fans was guaranteed.

also football 26 Tues 2025 In a tense match, Argentina outclasses Brazil

VIDEO:

Tensions were transferred from the stands to the field. The first half was characterized by anti-football and numerous fouls. Gabriel Jesus elbowed Rodrigo de Paul's head in the first minutes of the match.

Brazil had their best chance to score in the 58th minute when Jesus worked brilliantly with his Arsenal team-mate Gabriel Martinelli, who shot, but Martinez made a brilliant save.

Just five minutes later, Argentina scored the winning goal.

Giovani Lo Celso crossed from the left, Nicolas Otamendi outjumped Gabriel Maghalaes and slotted past Alisson Becker to give his country the win.

VIDEO:

Until the end, Brazil ended the match with one man less when Joelinton was shown a straight red card for a dangerous foul.

also Sports 22 under 2023 Messi after the match Brazil - Argentina: There could have been a tragedy

Argentina top the South American qualifiers, while Brazil have dropped to sixth place with their third straight defeat.

Of the ten national teams in total in South America, six of them qualify directly for the 2026 World Cup, while the seventh plays in the playoffs.