Portuguese club Torreense will face Real Sociedad, Sunderland and Arat Arménia in their European competition debut following the tournament draw.
The fixture list sets up a historic maiden campaign for the club from Torres Vedras, who earned their place in European football after winning the Taça de Portugal.
Following the completion of the draw, Torreense sporting director André Sabino said the occasion filled the club with immense pride simply to be present. Sabino acknowledged that every potential opponent would present a severe challenge, but noted that facing high-profile teams would drive motivation sky-high within the squad.
Sabino added that Torreense are eager to compete against established European opponents, demonstrate the qualities that brought them to this stage, and evaluate their achievements at the conclusion of the campaign.
Opponents and return of former manager
Real Sociedad and Sunderland stand out as theoretically the most formidable opponents awaiting the Portuguese side. Real Sociedad represent Spanish football from San Sebastián, while Sunderland bring English competition to the tournament schedule.
In their path toward the round of 16, Torreense will also face Armenian side Arat Arménia. The team is currently coached by Portuguese manager Manuel Tulipa, who previously held the head coaching position at Torreense.
Tulipa took charge of the Torres Vedras outfit during the 2023/24 season, directing the team across 21 matches in Portugal's II Liga. He guided Torreense to a seventh-place league finish with eight victories before stepping down at the end of that campaign.
Match venues and club background
Torreense will host their European home fixtures in the central Portuguese city of Leiria rather than at their local ground in Torres Vedras.
Founded in Torres Vedras, Sport Clube União Torreense achieved their European qualification by lifting the Taça de Portugal, the country's national cup competition. Their debut in continental competition marks a major milestone in the club's history following their recent performances in the domestic second tier.
