Torreense: The Portuguese minnows hoping to upset Sunderland and Celtic
Portuguese second-tier club Torreense is preparing for their debut Europa League campaign after a historic cup win. The team faces a challenging schedule against major European clubs like Celtic and Sunderland.
Why it matters
This highlights a rare underdog story in European football, showcasing the competitive nature of the Europa League.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Portuguese second-tier side Torreense have not played top-flight football since the 1991-92 campaign, but are making their debut in the Europa League this season
S.C.U Torreense's league fixtures this season include meetings with the 'B' teams of Sporting, Benfica and Porto.
But the Portuguese second division club, located 35 miles north of Lisbon, are in this season's Europa League after stunning giants Sporting to win the Taca de Portugal in May.
"This is a landmark moment," Andre Sabino, the club's director of football and CEO tells BBC Sport.
Torreense have never played a European home match before but will end that run on Thursday when they host Sunderland (17:45 BST).
Having already visited Norwegian side Lillestrom on their European debut, Torreense have further games against Ferencvaros, Ararat-Armenia, Celtic, Real Sociedad, Lech Poznan and Olympiacos before the end of January.
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