Brazil's Chelsea and United stars easily tame Lions of Teranga

Even though Carlo Ancelotti's arrival raised spirits around the Brazil national team, the Selecao have had their ups and downs since the Italian sat on their bench. First and foremost, defeats against Bolivia in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers and Japan in a friendly match played a month ago.

Brazil were 2-0 up at the break against the Blue Samurai, but allowed the rivals to bounce back and triumph 3-2. However, based on the Selecao's performance today, they apparently learned a valuable lesson, as they, this time, didn't gamble away a 2-0 lead at the break. On the contrary, they defended it and - although failing to extend it in the second half - they recorded a statement win.

Premier League stars of Chelsea and Man United, Estevao and Casemiro, sealed the deal for Brazil at Emirates Stadium in London, scoring in the span of seven minutes (28th and 35th). The only moment that cast a shadow over the triumph was Gabriel Magalhaes' injury, which forced him to leave the pitch midway through the second half, giving Mikel Arteta and all Arsenal fans headaches.

From the first referee's whistle, Brazil tormented the Lions of Teranga with a high press, for which Pape Thiaw's men had no solution. Matheus Cunha threatened only six minutes into the game, hitting the post, but still, Senegal kept their net intact for almost half an hour.

However, in the 28th minute, Estevao showed that he had transferred his excellent Chelsea form to the national team, breaking the deadlock by bending a first-touch effort past Edouard Mendy from the right flank of the area.

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Just seven minutes later, the Selecao doubled the lead. This time, another EPL star was the central figure, as Casemiro escaped free from the rubble and avoided an offside trap following Rodrygo's free-kick cross, making it 2-0.

Senegal only occasionally threatened over another English top-flight player, Crystal Palace's Ismaila Sarr, but their attempts were futile.

After the break, the pace was significantly slower, as both managers used the second period to mix things up and make a raft of changes. Still, the one sub Ancelotti made worried both the tactician and all the Brazilians, as well as Mikel Arteta and Arsenal fans, as Gabriel Magalhaes was forced to leave the pitch due to a groin injury, the severity of which is yet to be determined.

Either way, Brazil recorded another win that would be essential for their confidence, while Senegal had a useful pre-AFCON friendly against a powerful opponent, which they'd undoubtedly benefit from.

During the November international break, the Selecao will face another African team, Tunisia, and the Lions of Teranga will lock horns with the Harambee Stars. Both clashes will be played in three days.