Torreense v Sunderland preview: kick-off time, team news and form

Sunderland head to Portugal on Thursday evening for a Europa League league phase clash with Torreense, kicking off at 5.45pm UK time at the Estádio Dr. Magalhaes Pessoa in Leiria. It's a landmark trip for the club, with the Guardian noting it's 53 years since Sunderland last played a European away game (The Guardian), and BBC Sport capturing fans saying "it doesn't feel real" as the Black Cats return to continental competition (BBC Sport).

The stakes are significant early in the league phase. Sunderland head into the match off the back of a 1-0 win over AZ Alkmaar in their opener, while Torreense, surprise winners of the Portuguese Cup, beat Lillestrom 2-1 in their own first fixture. Both sides therefore arrive with three points on the board and a share of top spot in the group, making this a notable opportunity for Sunderland to build momentum in the competition.

Domestically it's been a tougher spell for Sunderland, who sit 17th in the Premier League. Their recent form shows defeats to Brighton & Hove Albion and Manchester City sandwiched around a win over AZ Alkmaar in Europe, while the Carabao Cup also brought a win over Hull City. Torreense's build-up form includes cup exploits against Fafe and Sporting CP, plus a promotion/relegation playoff against Casa Pia, before their European bow against Lillestrom.

This will be a first-ever competitive meeting between the two clubs, and indeed BBC Sport describes it as Torreense's first ever European home match (BBC Sport), while Sunderland Echo explains why the fixture isn't actually being staged at Torreense's own ground (Sunderland Echo). Portuguese media have apparently delivered a "bonus" verdict on the hosts, according to Sunderland Echo's round-up of local coverage (Sunderland Echo), and the Echo has also detailed Sunderland having an inside track on a key Torreense dangerman (Sunderland Echo).

On team news, the picture is mixed for Sunderland. The Northern Echo reports that Brian Brobbey and Habib Diarra both travelled with the squad, though caution will be taken with the pair rather than rushing them back (Northern Echo). Sunderland Echo adds that Wilson Isidor was absent from the group while Jules Ahoka returned, amid fresh blows involving Dan Ballard and Thomas Meunier (Sunderland Echo). A separate Echo report states there are two returning players, eight ruled out and one doubt in the confirmed squad for this clash (Sunderland Echo), while another piece says Régis Le Bris has issued a major injury update and confirmed a fresh concern (Sunderland Echo). Le Bris has also outlined his selection plan and given an inside warning on the threat Torreense pose, according to the Echo (Sunderland Echo). Luke O'Nien has reflected on his own path to a potential European debut with the club (Sunderland Echo).

For Torreense, Sunderland Echo reports that two players were sent off in a game before facing Sunderland, though UEFA's rules mean they won't automatically be ruled out of this tie (Sunderland Echo).

Supporters travelling to Leiria have been issued updated ticket and passport guidance by the club, as detailed by Sunderland Echo (Sunderland Echo) (Sunderland Echo).

Kick-off is at 5.45pm UK time on Thursday.

Written with the help of AI, using the match facts and the headlines from the publishers credited above. Each point links to the original report — tap the source name to read it in full.