For the first time in over 52 years, Sunderland pack their suitcases for a European away day. What a unique trip it is set to be for the Mackems, as they travel to Leiria to take on Portuguese second tier side SCU Torreense, who mark their European home debut with a huge clash with the North-East Premier League side. Wigan Athletic, Millwall, Wisła Kraków, FC Zurich - examples of second division sides to play in a European competition. And now SCU Torreense, a moment that locals and Portuguese football fans alike will forever remember, where in May they managed to beat all odds, where captain Stopira scored a 113th minute penalty against Sporting CP to win the 2026 Taça de Portugal. This was their first ever major trophy in their 109 years of history, also making them the first ever Portuguese 2nd Division side to win the Taça de Portugal. Far from a cup fluke, Luís Tralhão’s side proved their consistency by finishing 3rd in Liga Portugal 2, holding the second-strongest defense in the division, with Stopira’s veteran leadership commanding their ship. Despite missing out on promotion last season, this resilient Torres Vedras club now step onto the European stage ready to test Sunderland. However, a domestically poor start to this season sees them in 15th, one point outside of the relegation zone with seven played so far, but a huge 1-2 victory in their first European match against Lillestrøm, finishing with 10-men, gives them a boost in confidence. The Azul-grenas are extreme underdogs coming into this match, but that was a theme last season that didn't stop them from achieving the seemingly unachievable. Coach Luis Tralhão will be without former RB Leipzig midfielder Nuha Jatta due to a red card in Lillestrøm, goalkeeper Adriel and defender Mohamed Ali Diadié will be available despite domestic suspensions. Tralhao will hope his players don't continue with disciplinary issues, as 3/4 of Torreense's red cards this season have come in the last two matches. Régis Le Bris was delighted with Sunderland's opening Europa League win against AZ Alkmaar, with the Stadium of Light's atmosphere of passion and intensity pushing the Black Cats over the line. But this evening they don't have that advantage at their disposal. As one-sided as this seems on paper, European results have shocked many over the years, teams mistakenly going into games with an attitude of arrogance and complacency against those who they believe to be "smaller". Le Bris will have to drill composure and vigilance into the players heads to ensure an upset on the cards does not follow through. Much like Torreense, Sunderland also sit one point off the relegation zone, only managing four points in six games. The Mackems have won three games in all competitions, all being 1-0 wins at home, but are yet to win away. Only a point picked up at Brentford is to show for their efforts away from home in a 1-1 draw. Managing three goals at the Etihad wasn't enough, where Brian Brobbey picked up a hattrick in a 5-3 loss. Le Bris will be focused on putting their domestic form aside tonight though and take positives from their last European venture, but they will be without Dan Ballard, Brian Brobbey and Habib Diarra. Summer signing Thomas Meunier was forced off with a thigh problem in their last game, a 0-2 loss against in-form Brighton, so the Belgian is a major doubt for this matchup which leaves Malick Fofana or Trai Hume in contention for a spot in the team. The last and only time Sunderland faced a Portuguese side was in Round 2 of the 1973/74 Cup Winners Cup against giants Sporting CP. A 2-1 home win in the first leg was cancelled out by a 2-0 second leg loss, which was the end of Sunderland's European ventures for almost 53 years. Quite poetic that they return to Portuguese soil for their first away game since the heartbreak in Lisbon.