Ancelotti was managing his first match for Brazil since leaving Real Madrid at the end of the Spanish domestic season, with the Selecao having been managerless since March after sacking Dorival Junior.

While the result helps both teams towards their goal of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the performance from the visitors was some way short of what was expected.

Brazil found it difficult to break down an obdurate Ecuador defence, with Vinicius Junior having the clearest sight on goal in the first half.

Vinicius's effort was well-saved by goalkeeper Gonzalo Valle, but the home goalkeeper was not tested again for the remainder of the half.

Ecuador's resistance was understandable, given that it came into this match on the back of a 14-match unbeaten run at home and things could have got even better for it after the break.

John Yeboah split the Brazilian defence with a through ball for Nilson Angulo, although the latter was called offside when presented with a chance.

Brazil tested Valle once more in the match, through Casemiro's long-range shot, while Richarlison should have made him work but failed to capitalise on Vinicius's impressive pass.

After the draw, Ecuador stays second in the CONMEBOL qualifying table, 10 points behind the already-qualified Argentina.

Brazil is fourth, a further two points back and crucially, seven points above the play-off spot with just three games remaining.

Elsewhere, Uruguay was beaten 2-0 away to Paraguay in a match that kicked off at the same time. The result means Marcelo Bielsa's side drops one place and one point below Brazil, while Paraguay is third and level on points with Ecuador.