Old rivalries were renewed in the early hours of Wednesday morning as Brazil hosted Argentina in a huge international fixture that was mired in chaotic scenes in the stands as police clashed with fans. The violent scenes started just before the match got underway, during the part reserved for national anthems.
There were fights breaking out between supporters in the stands during the ceremony, which sparked police into charging the Argentinian fans with batons. Videos showed match-going fans being struck, while some ripped up seats to throw in response, others were hit despite backing away.
The Argentinian team, led by Lionel Messi, went to the stand to try and mediate the situation that had begun to spiral out of control. The World Cup winners ended up retreating to the dressing rooms and spent more than 10 minutes there, waiting for the violence to settle down.
In the mean time, the Brazilian team had stayed out with the match officials as they awaited the return of their opponents to kick off once more. In total there was a half-an-hour delay to kick off before the match got underway in a huge World Cup qualifier for both teams.
The Argentinian team saw rivalries renewed across the pitch as Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez and Tottenham's Cristian Romero partnered up following the latter's red card for a challenge on the former in their most recent meeting in club football. They went up against an Arsenal trio of Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Magalhaes and Gabriel Martinelli.
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There was little to differentiate the two teams in terms of performance, with each having their chances and a nearly equal share of possession. However, just around the hour mark, it was former Manchester City defender Nicolas Otamendi that would break the deadlock with a towering header.
The Selecao were hopeful of a comeback on home turf, but a straight red card for substitute Joelinton seemingly dashed all hopes as he hit Rodrigo De Paul in another flashpoint on the pitch. It leaves Brazil on a run that includes three defeats in a row and sixth in qualifying, while Argentina remain top.
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