Brazil beat Senegal 2-0 in feisty football friendly at Emirates Stadium
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Brazil's Wesley Franca and Casemiro in action with Senegal's Ibrahim Mbaye.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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LONDON – Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti has apologised to Arsenal after Gabriel Magalhaes suffered what seemed to be a serious injury in the 2-0 friendly win over Senegal on Nov 15.
The Gunners defender could face a lengthy time on the sidelines after an adductor issue and he will have to wait to learn the severity of the problem in a blow to the English Premier League leaders.
When asked about the injury, Ancelotti said: “Bad? I don’t know, he had a problem on his adductor. The medical staff have to check tomorrow. We are really sorry for this, really disappointed. When players have an injury, I hope they can recover well and soon.”
Ironically, the game took place at the Gunners’ Emirates Stadium, where first-half goals from Estevao Willian and Casemiro secured victory for Brazil.
The win marked the five-time World Cup winners’ maiden triumph against their African opponents and Ancelotti’s fourth victory in seven matches since becoming Brazil coach in May.
The match was anything but a typical friendly, with several rough challenges and a couple of near skirmishes in a spiky encounter.
Brazil created several chances with a fluid four-man offensive front – Vinicius Jr playing as a striker and Estevao and Rodrygo running the channels, while Matheus Cunha took the playmaker duty as an attacking midfielder.
At the back, Ancelotti made a defensive shake-up, starting centre-back Eder Militao as a right-back as the coach continues to search for reliable fullbacks.
The result was remarkably positive, with the 27-year-old Real Madrid defender playing key roles in coverage, supporting the attack and connecting well with skilled teenager Estevao, who was a constant menace from the right.
Their breakthrough came in the 28th minute when Casemiro’s intended through-ball deflected off a Senegalese defender, falling perfectly into the path of Estevao, who arrived at lightning speed to clinically slot a left-footed shot inside the far post.
Ancelotti reserved special praise for the youngster.
“Estevao has incredible amount of talent,” he said of the 18-year-old Chelsea player. “It’s a surprise this level at his age. He’s good at finishing, has a lot of magic... and he works very hard.”
The lead was doubled in the 35th minute via a set-piece masterclass.
Rodrygo delivered a pinpoint free kick to an unmarked Casemiro at the far post. The veteran midfielder controlled the ball expertly before curling home from close range, leaving goalkeeper Edouard Mendy helpless.
The performance showed glimpses of Ancelotti’s influence on the team, with improved defensive discipline complementing their attacking flair.
The former Real Madrid coach is using these friendlies to shape his squad for the 2026 World Cup. Brazil next face Tunisia in another friendly in Lille on Nov 18.
REUTERS
