The game, a rematch of the 2014 World Cup quarter-final, was heated from the start, with a series of tough tackles flying in from both teams.
The benches cleared just before half-time after a vicious foul by Neymar, who lashed out after being harassed by opponents nearly every time he touched the ball.
'They really came playing hard, but we were able to overcome the pressure,' Brazil forward Luan said. 'We were able to get the early goal and that helped us come away with a great victory.'