2026-27 UEFA Europa League: League Phase – Torrense vs Sunderland

Torrense face a tricky league-phase test against Sunderland in the 2026-27 UEFA Europa League. 

Victory could see Torrense climb into the top eight in the table, whilst Sunderland can leapfrog Torrense and potentially move into the top eight with a win.

 

Team News

Nuha Jatta is suspended for Torrense after his red card in their 2-1 win over Lillestrom last month.

Adriel and Mohamed Ali Diadie however are available as their suspensions only apply domestically, following the pair’s red cards in a 1-0 Liga Portugal 2 loss to Tondela.

Sunderland will be without Thomas Meunier after he suffered a hamstring injury in their 2-0 Premier League defeat to Brighton.

Brian Brobbey and Habib Diarra (both hamstring) are back in training but Dan Ballard (hamstring) and Romaine Mundle (knee) remain ruled out.

 

When is Kick-Off?

Torrense host Sunderland at Estadio Dr. Magalhaes on Thursday 15 October at 5:45pm CEST (5:45pm BST), live on TNT Sports 2 in the UK.

 

Stat Attack

• This is Torrense’s first-ever meeting against Sunderland in all competitions.
• Sunderland are making their first visit to Torrense in any competition.
• Torrense are playing their first home match in any UEFA competition.
• Sunderland lost 2-0 away to Sporting Lisbon in their only previous away trip against Portuguese opposition in the 1973-74 European Cup Winners’ Cup edition at the second round stage.

 

Prediction

Despite their second-tier status domestically in Portugal, Torrense certainly can’t be underestimated because they clinically beat Lillestrom in the end product conversion despite having been outplayed overall in attack.

Sunderland meanwhile lacked any notable cutting-edge end product quality to beat Brighton but with their superior quality, you have to think that they can get the win if they just polish their final touches and Brobbey’s potential return might be the sharp edge that they need.

Torrense though will be up for this game given that it’s their first home match in European competition – albeit not at their actual ground, but I do think that Sunderland really should edge this.

Prediction: Torrense 1-2 Sunderland