Gabriel Martinelli
Image credit: Getty Images
Arsenal forward Gabriel Martinelli produced a hardworking display as Brazil cruised to a 3-0 victory over Chile in a CONMEBOL World Cup qualifier at the Maracana Stadium, easing pressure on head coach Carlo Ancelotti and lifting the Selecao to second in the standings.
Goals from Estevao, Lucas Paqueta, and Bruno Guimaraes sealed the win on Thursday night, extending Brazil’s dominance over Chile to six consecutive victories in qualifiers. The visitors’ task became more difficult when Guillermo Maripán was sent off in the second half. Brazil controlled possession throughout, completing 586 passes with 89% accuracy compared to Chile’s 334 at 80%.
Martinelli, who started on the left flank and played 71 minutes, entered the fixture under scrutiny following inconsistent performances for Arsenal this season. While pundits have questioned his end product at club level, the 23-year-old showed flashes of energy and directness on international duty.
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He registered shots on target, linked play well, and pressed with intensity, though Brazilian outlet Globo rated him 6.0, citing wastefulness in attacking positions. Sports Dunia was more positive, awarding him a 7.0 for his overall contribution.
Gabriel Martinelli
Gabriel Martinelli played 71 minutes for Brazil against Chile (Image credit: Getty Images)
The match also saw a worrying moment when Martinelli clashed heads with Chelsea teammate Joao Pedro, who vomited on the pitch but was able to continue. Post-match, Joao Pedro explained he felt briefly unwell but recovered.
Fan reaction in Brazil mirrored ongoing debates about Martinelli’s role, with some supporters criticising his decision-making while others praised his defensive commitment. Despite mixed reviews, his inclusion and performance were seen as encouraging, especially after being recently recalled to the national team.
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Elsewhere, Martinelli’s Arsenal teammate Gabriel Magalhaes delivered an assured display at centre-back. Playing the full 90 minutes, he won all eight of his aerial duels, completed 83 passes at an 87% success rate, and contributed key defensive interventions.
He also came close to scoring with a powerful header early on. Globo rated him 6.5, while Sports Dunia awarded him 7.0, with fans lauding his dominance and resilience.
Brazil now turn their attention to their next qualifier against Bolivia, with Ancelotti’s men buoyed by a commanding performance. For Martinelli, the night provided a platform to rebuild confidence amid ongoing scrutiny at Arsenal, while Magalhaes further underlined his growing importance for both club and country.
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