Arsenal finally beat Barcelona en route to lifting the U-17 Future Cup

Shot-stopper: young Arsenal keeper Joao Virginia saved three spot-kicks in the final
David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Douglas Pyper29 March 2016

Arsenal became the first English team to lift the U-17 Future Cup after beating Anderlecht 4-3 on penalties in the final on Monday, and even managed to get one over long-term rivals Barcelona in the process.

Barcelona may have eliminated Arsenal’s senior team from the Champions League three times in the last six seasons, but the Gunners enjoyed a measure of revenge by eliminating the Catalans in the Future Cup semi-final.

The young guns needed penalties to see off both Barcelona and three times winners Anderlecht, with goalkeeper Joao Virginia earning plaudits by saving five spot-kicks over both games. The starlet joined the Gunners from Benfica last year.

Arsenal return to London with a 100 per cent record having enjoyed a clean sweep of victories in the group stage with wins over Red Bull Salzburg, Ghana’s Right to Dream and the hosts, Ajax.

The Future Cup has been running for six years with Anderlecht and Ajax winning three competitions each.

Despite his team eventually finishing third, Barcelona’s Riqui Puig was named the tournament’s Most Valued Player.

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