Sunderland will face Portuguese side Torreense in their second game of the league phase of this season’s Europa League.
Sunderland are preparing for their first European away fixture since they visited Sporting CP in the second round of the 1973/74 Cup Winners Cup - and Portugal will be their destination once again.
After kicking off their first ever Europa League campaign with a battling home win against Dutch club AZ Alkmaar last month, the Black Cats will face Portuguese second tier side Torreense on Thursday evening in their first away fixture of the league phase.
Sunderland pose for a team photograph before the UEFA Europa League game with AZ Alkmaar.placeholder image
Sunderland pose for a team photograph before the UEFA Europa League game with AZ Alkmaar. | Getty Images.
The hosts secured qualification with a shock Portuguese Cup final win against Sporting and they also started their maiden European campaign with a win as they saw off Lillestrom of Norway thanks to goals from Alejandro Alfaro and Manuel Pozo. With another historic occasion closing in, The Echo takes a look at everything you need to know ahead of Torreense v Sunderland.
When does Torreense v Sunderland take place?
Sunderland’s first away tie in European competition since 1973 will take place on Thursday, October 15 and kick-off has been scheduled for 5.45pm. There is no time difference between the United Kingdom and Portugal.
Where does Torreense v Sunderland take place?
The Estádio Dr. Magalhães Pessoa in Leiria.placeholder image
The Estádio Dr. Magalhães Pessoa in Leiria. | Google Maps.
Torreense’s Portuguese Cup final win against Sporting CP ensured the second tier outfit qualified for European competition for the first time in their history. However, their 2,500-capacity Estadio Manuel Marques home does not meet UEFA requirements to host Europa League fixtures - and that means Sunderland fans will head to Leira’s Estádio Dr. Magalhães Pessoa for Thursday’s game.
The Echo’s Europa League coverage is sponsored byRenewable Energy Management Ltd, a leading provider of comprehensive renewable energy solutions based in the North East of England. They are trusted installers of solar panels, battery storage, air source heat pumps, EV charging, ground source heat pumps, and underfloor heating, bringing sustainable energy to homes across the region.
placeholder image
Renewable Energy Management Ltd.
How was Torreense fared this season?
After the highs of last season, Torreense have struggled during the early months of this season’s campaign. A 1-0 defeat at Tondela on Saturday meant they have won just one of their seven league games so far this season and that has left them sitting in fifteenth place (fourth from bottom) in the LigaPro table.
What is the latest team news ahead of Torreense v Sunderland?
Sunderland striker Brian Brobbey scored a hat-trick against Manchester City.placeholder image
Sunderland striker Brian Brobbey scored a hat-trick against Manchester City. | Getty Images.
The Premier Injuries website are reporting Black Cats duo Habib Diarra and Brian Brobbey could be in contention for Thursday’s game - although it remains to be seen whether Regis Le Bris will risk either player. However, Romaine Mundle and Dan Ballard are still some way from being available. Thomas Meunier will be assessed after reporting some pain in his hamstring during the first half of Saturday’s defeat against Brighton. Speaking after the game, Le Bris said of a return date for the Belgian: “I don't know yet. He felt some pain in his hamstring, but I don't know yet [the severity].”
Is Torreense v Sunderland live on television?
Yes, TNT Sports have the broadcast rights to UEFA’s three main competitions once again this season. They have confirmed they will broadcast Sunderland’s game with Torreense via their TNT Sports 2 channel with coverage getting underway at 5pm, around 45 minutes before kick-off at the Estádio Dr. Magalhães Pessoa. BBC Newcastle will also provide live coverage of the game from 5pm with Nick Barnes and Gary Bennett on commentary duties.