First-half goals from Estevao and Casemiro powered Brazil to a routine 2-0 friendly victory over Senegal at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.

Carlo Ancelotti's side were hoping to build some positive momentum after limping through qualification for the 2026 World Cup, finishing fifth in the CONMEBOL qualification group, and two Premier League stars were on target as they triumphed at Arsenal's home ground.

Brazil had four good chances to open the scoring in the first 10 minutes, with Edouard Mendy repelling two efforts from Vinicius Junior and one apiece from Manchester United duo Matheus Cunha and Casemiro.

Cunha then nodded Bruno Guimaraes' searching delivery against the crossbar, but the Selecao got their opening goal in the 28th minute as Casemiro's pass was deflected into the path of Estevao, who whipped a wonderful left-footed strike into the far corner.

Seven minutes later, it was 2-0 as Casemiro trapped Rodrygo's delivery from a deep free-kick before scooping an unorthodox finish into the top-right corner.

Ismaila Sarr drew a rare save from Ederson in first-half stoppage time, while Iliman Ndiaye could only shoot against the post after Nicolas Jackson put the Brazil goalkeeper under pressure early in the second half.

Senegal were much improved throughout the second period, but that was the closest they came to a goal, with Brazil able to see out their victory in relative comfort.

Data Debrief: Estevao shines as Brazil excel in first half

Brazil were good value for their win, which was just their second in four games following surprise defeats to Bolivia and Japan in the early months of Ancelotti's reign.

The Selecao fired off 14 shots with an expected goals (xG) value of 1.67, compared to Senegal's 11 shots and 0.81 xG. Nine of Brazil's efforts, and 1.4 of their total xG tally, came prior to the half-time whistle.

Estevao was one of their standout performers, creating three chances and playing 11 passes in the final third, along with his goal. 

Only Vinicius made more passes in the final third for Brazil (15), with the Real Madrid star also the only other player on the pitch to create three chances.