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The Portuguese second-tier team hosting Sunderland in Europe

Portuguese second-tier side Torreense host Sunderland in the Europa League in what will be their first ever European home match.

By Jonty Colman · BBC

Published: Thursday, 15 October 2026 at 7:30 AM

Key Things to Know

Portuguese second-tier minnows Torreense are aiming to compete against European opponents like Sunderland and Celtic in the Europa League.
Torreense qualified after becoming the first second-division side to win the Taca de Portugal by defeating Sporting.
The club is hosting Sunderland at the Municipal Stadium in Leiria because their own stadium does not meet UEFA criteria.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Portuguese second-tier club S.C.U Torreense are competing in the Europa League after defeating Sporting to win the Taca de Portugal in May. Managed by Luis Tralhao, the minnows won their opening European match against Lillestrom and are set to host Sunderland in Leiria before facing upcoming opponents including Celtic and Real Sociedad.

Due to stadium regulations, Torreense must travel roughly 47 miles to Leiria for home European fixtures. Europa League participation secures at least 5 million euros (£4.2m) for the club, which has overhauled its squad by bringing in 19 new signings from 10 different countries.

Read the full article on BBC

The Portuguese second-tier team hosting Sunderland in Europe

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