On Tuesday, March 25, 2025, the classic showdown between Argentina and Brazil unfolded at the Estádio Monumental de Núñez in Buenos Aires, engaging 85,000 fans in a fierce encounter filled with passion and controversy. Early goals from Julián Álvarez and Enzo Fernández placed Argentina firmly in the lead before Matheus Cunha temporarily raised hopes for Brazil with a stunning strike. By the 35th minute, Alexis Mac Allister scored the third goal for Argentina, solidifying their dominance and further igniting heightened tensions on the pitch.
Argentina’s early supremacy was evident as they quickly took control of the match. Julián Álvarez opened the scoring just three minutes in, capitalizing on defensive lapses from Brazil’s Murillo and Arana following a penetrating assist from Almada. Maintaining the pressure, Enzo Fernández doubled the lead in the 12th minute, converting from a Molina cross, with the ball taking a slight deflection that misled Brazilian goalkeeper Bento.
Despite Brazil's attempts to regain footing when Matheus Cunha scored at 26 minutes with a powerful shot from outside the penalty area, this glimmer of hope was overshadowed just minutes later as Mac Allister struck to extend Argentina’s lead. This goal exemplified Argentina’s tactical proficiency, with Fernández launching a perfect cross that allowed Mac Allister to rise above Bento to head the ball into the net.
The momentous goal incited a fiery exchange between Matheus Cunha and Rodrigo De Paul. After the third goal, De Paul celebrated exuberantly in front of the fans, provoking Cunha, who was irritated not only by the goal but by the ongoing taunts from De Paul. Their confrontation turned physical as teammates rushed in to separate the players, but the spirited tension reflected the classic rivalry between these two footballing nations.
The match continued with Argentina commanding 63% possession and displaying fluid attacking movements, which consistently found space in the Brazilian defense. Even with the excitement generated by Cunha’s goal, the Brazilian squad, led by manager Dorival Júnior, struggled to adapt amid the overwhelming pressure and moments of individual brilliance from the Argentinian midfield.
The conflict between Cunha and De Paul was heightened by pre-match statements from Raphinha, who ardently claimed Brazil would impose a physical game against their rivals. “We’ll give them a beating, both on and off the field if needed,” he had assured in an interview, a confidence that did not reflect the struggles the Brazilian squad faced in the first half of the match.
With every subsequent attack, Argentina reaffirmed their dominance. Matheus Cunha, the current top scorer of Brazil's qualifying campaign, found himself isolated as the game progressed, reflecting the disparity in team cohesion compared to Argentina’s well-distributed gameplay. The contrast between Cunha’s heroics and the Brazilian team’s inability to create cohesive chances showcased the gap that Argentina has established in the qualifiers.
As halftime approached, the intensity only escalated. The crowd of 85,000 cheered gloriously as Argentina pushed for more, knowing that their team remained in solid command. However, the animosity that developed between Cunha and De Paul suggested that the classic rivalry is more than just a match; it is a battleground for pride and passion.
Looking beyond this game, both teams are vying for positioning in the qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. Argentina is currently leading with 28 points from 13 matches, while Brazil trails them with 21 points. The ongoing rivalry shows a historical imbalance, with Argentina now securing seven wins from the last eight qualifiers played at home against Brazil, intensifying the pressure on the Brazilian team to reclaim their favor.
As the second half approached, the unanswered questions loomed: could Brazil regroup and mount a significant comeback, or would Argentina continue to dominate? The pressure on the Brazilian team was palpable, as Matheus Cunha and De Paul became the faces of a rivalry that holds greater significance than just points in the standings—it is a reflection of a long-standing tradition of competition.
In this encounter, beyond goals and tactics, it was the emotions and confrontations that represented the essence of the sport between Argentina and Brazil. The match serves as a reminder of the passion that football evokes across these nations, transcending beyond mere play into the realms of national pride. As Argentina led 3-1 at halftime, they not only hold the scoreboard advantage but also the emotional edge.
