Cup shock, Europa League ticket and promotion play-off, can Torreense’s fairytale last? | OneFootball

Torreense will play in the Europa League after beating Sporting 2-1 after extra time in the Portuguese Cup final, and are now one match from promotion to Portugal’s top flight.

They visit Casa Pia on Thursday for the play-off second leg after a 0-0 first leg. L'Équipe reports the tie will be at Rio Maior, which should host European matches and any Liga fixtures next season.

The 7,000-capacity ground meets UEFA standards and provides a bigger stage as interest swells around the club.

Torreense are the first second-tier winners of the Taça, sparking wild celebrations in Torres Vedras. Players kept it brief, with forward Dany Jean stressing promotion remains the priority and training resumes on Tuesday.

The club’s revival follows a brush with bankruptcy about 20 years ago, when the state seized their stadium. Owned by Agriloja founder Nuno Carvalho, they plan a full city-centre refurbishment in the coming months.

General manager André Sabino says Europa League qualification will accelerate growth and increase visibility, while insisting it must be sustainable. The budget, around four to five million euros, will be reworked for Europe and possibly the Liga.

Carvalho hired Luis Tralhão in January with the side nearer relegation than the play-offs. The former Benfica coach has energised the squad, and could now add promotion to an already assured European autumn.

Source: L'Équipe