ABN Amro Future Cup Van der Sar Riqui Puig Swart Heitinga

Anderlecht, Ajax and J-League selection off to bright start in Future Cup

The opening day of the 2017 ABN Amro Future Cup was packed full of action, leaving a lot to be decided on day two.

WATCH: Anderlecht start with win over Arsenal

The three-day Under-17 tournament, which brings together promising talents from some of Europe’s biggest sides, commenced with hosts Ajax taking on the J-League selection while fellow Group A contenders Benfica and Juventus faced each other.

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As Ajax and the J-League side shared the spoils in a goalless draw, Benfica recovered from Alessandro Lombardi’s early goal to win 3-1.

Juve failed to get going against the Japanese opponents, who ran out 3-0 winners, and in the other game Ajax reaped the benefits of a good display with a 1-0 win over Benfica thanks to a goal from Giovanni de la Vega.

The J-League team sit top of Group A, ahead of Ajax on goal difference, Benfica sit a point behind and Juve are bottom. There is much to be decided on Sunday when the phase comes to an end, as Ajax take on Juventus and Benfica meet the J-League selection.

Anderlecht, meanwhile, sit top of Group B, having kicked off their campaign with a sound 3-1 win over Arsenal, before fine work from Theo Leoni to fire them to victory against Bayern Munich.

WATCH: Bayern comeback to beat PSG

The Bavarian side sit second in the group with three points, recovering from an early goal to beat Paris Saint-Germain 3-1.

Arsenal are level on points with Bayern as they inflicted a second defeat upon PSG, winning 2-1.

The Gunners will have a chance to leapfrog Bayern when they meet on Sunday, while Anderlecht will be hoping to maintain their great start with another three points against PSG.

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