Torreense, a Portuguese second‑division side, are making their Europa League debut this season after winning the Taca de Portugal. They host Sunderland on Thursday at 17:45 BST, having already faced Norwegian club Lillestrom in their opening European fixture. The match will be played at Leiria’s Municipal Stadium because Torreense’s home ground, the Estadio Manuel Marques, does not meet UEFA requirements.
Located 35 km north of Lisbon, Torreense have not played top‑flight football since 1991‑92. Their cup triumph over Sporting CP secured a historic first‑ever Europa League place for a second‑division team in Portugal. Captain and Cape Verde international Stopira scored the decisive penalty in extra time of the 2‑1 final victory. The achievement was described as a “landmark moment” by club director Andre Sabino.
Managed by Luis Tralhao – whose brother Joao assists Jose Mourinho at Real Madrid – Torreense aim to do more than just make up the numbers. Sabino said, “We don't want to simply participate. We want to compete,” while former Benfica goalkeeper Jose Delgado noted the side has already earned three points, exceeding early expectations. The club faces a tough group that includes Celtic, Ferencvaros, Ararat‑Armenia, Real Sociedad, Lech Poznan and Olympiacos before the end of January.
Source: BBC Sport Football · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing