Brazil came into the match at La Bombonera with only a narrow 2-1 lead to their name after a disappointing showing in Goiania and found life even more difficult in the confines of Boca’s famous stadium.
Two goals from replacement striker Ignacio Scocco of Newell’s Old Boys gave Argentina victory on the night, with Brazil then reliant on penalties to seal victory.
The game started slowly and the only real chance of the first-half would fall to Neymar, who attempted to place the ball over Orion in the host’s goal but saw his shot fly wide.
The second-half would only truly spark to life in the final quarter of an hour, with neither side truly looking to seize victory on the night.
Come to life, though, it would and only with a little help from the referee. Corinthians’ midfielder Juan Martinez took a tumble at the edge of the area, which substitute Scocco stepped-up to fire home.
The goal shocked Brazil, who had been attempting to see the match out with their first-leg lead in tact. They needn’t have worried, as top-scorer in the Brasileirão Fred calmly dispatched his first chance of the night shortly after to restore the aggregate lead.
Argentina, though, are not easily beaten on their own territory and in stoppage time at the end of the second-half they pulled level through Scocco once more, thanks to fine-play from Brazil based Montillo.
To penalties the tie went and, with Brazil-based Martinez and Motillo erring from the spot, the Seleção were able to secure an unconvincing victory to retain their Superclassico title.
ARGENTINA: Orión; Lisandro López, Sebá, Desábato; Peruzzi, Cerro (Ahumada 85′), Guiñazú, Montillo, Vangioni; Martínez, Barcos (Scocco 68′). Coach: Alejandro Sabella
BRAZIL: Diego Cavalieri, Lucas (Bernard 72′), Réver, Durval, Fábio Santos (Carlinhos 62′); Ralf, Arouca (Jean 66′), Paulinho, Thiago Neves; Neymar, Fred. Coach: Mano Menezes
