When was Argentina's last home victory against Brazil?

In recent times, the matches between Argentina and Brazil have leaned more toward draws or victories for Argentina. However, beyond the good results in recent classics, the World Champions haven't been able to beat Verdeamarelha at home for almost 20 years.

The last match that Argentina won against Brazil at home was the 3-1 victory in the South American Qualifiers for the 2006 World Cup in Germany. On the night of June 8, 2005, the powerful Brazil, with stars like Ronaldinho, Adriano, Kaká, Roberto Carlos, and Cafú, among others, arrived at the Monumental intending to spoil Argentina's party, which with a victory would secure its presence in the World Cup in Germany. However, the roles seemed reversed: the flashy football, the top-level, and the goals belonged to Néstor Pekerman's team, which before halftime was already leading 3-0 with a Juan Román Riquelme in a state of grace.

Hernán Crespo would open the scoring with a strong right-footed shot close to the right post after a pass from Lucho González. At 18 minutes, Riquelme would appear and the legendary "Invente, Invente Román, Invente" from the commentator Mariano Closs. The number 8 of the National Team would get past some Brazilian players and shoot from outside the area, scoring a true goal to put the National Team ahead 2-0 at the start of the first half.

Argentina would extend its lead with another goal from Crespo before halftime with another great goal, this time a diving header. In the second half, Roberto Carlos would send a true missile, characteristic of him, which would reduce the deficit for Brazil. That match ended 3-1 and was the last victory of the National Team on Argentine soil.

Since then, the Albiceleste has struggled to impose itself against the "Scratch" in official matches. It only managed some victories in friendlies played in the Middle East or the United States, which served as momentary consolation. However, in official competitions, the Brazilians were dominant, with convincing victories in Qualifiers and the painful final of the 2007 Copa América, as well as the elimination in the semifinals of the 2019 edition.

The story changed in 2021, when the final of the Copa América ended Argentina's drought in official tournaments and 28 years without titles. Then, in 2023, another milestone was reached: the Albiceleste became the first and only team to defeat Brazil at home in Qualifiers.

Nevertheless, on Argentine soil, the streak remains intact. Since that victory in 2005, Brazil has visited the country three times for Qualifiers. The first was in 2009, with a 3-1 victory for Verdeamarelha, the second was in 2015, with a 1-1 draw, and the third and last was in 2021, with another draw, this time without goals.

This Tuesday, from 9 PM at the Monumental, Scaloni's team will try to make the fourth time the charm. Although both arrive with numerous absences and practically qualified for the next World Cup, the classics are separate matches, where intensity and rivalry play an essential role. This National Team, expert in breaking streaks and winner of every tournament it has competed in, seems to be in the best moment to put an end to almost 20 years without defeating Brazil at home.