Why Torreense are playing in the Europa League despite being a Portuguese second division side

We need to talk about Torreense, the Portuguese second-division side who are defying the odds in this season's Europa League.

Joao Nuno's side were expected to finish rock bottom of the league phase standings but after picking up two wins from their opening four games, they currently sit above AC Milan, Real Sociedad, Crystal Palace and Marseille.

One of those victories came on Thursday night, when two added-time goals from Javi Vazquez and Musa Drammeh sealed a dramatic 3-2 win over Armenian Premier League side Ararat-Armenia at the Estadio Municipal de Leiria.

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How did a club from Portugal's second tier qualify for the Europa League?

It's a good question, and one that many have asked as they continue to exceed expectations.

Torreense are competing in this season's Europa League after they won the Taca de Portugal, also known as the Portuguese Cup, in May, when they once again overcame the odds.

The club from Torres Vedras pulled off arguably the biggest upset in the competition's history by beating Sporting CP in the final, with goals from Kevin Zohi and Stopira sealing a 2-1 win.

Torreense players celebrate their victory over Sporting CP. Image credit: Getty

As a result, they became the first second-tier club to lift the Portuguese Cup and, in doing so, they secured automatic qualification for the Europa League league phase regardless of their league position.

I say that because Torreense failed to achieve promotion to Portugal's top flight at the end of last season after losing their promotion play-off against Casa Pia.

In fact, they sit 12th in the Liga Pro table after nine games, a statistic that makes their impressive start to the Europa League campaign all the more remarkable.

Torreense make 60-mile journey to play their Europa League home fixtures

As mentioned above, Torreense recorded a 3-2 home win over Ararat-Armenia at the 23,888-capacity Estadio Municipal de Leiria, but their actual home ground is located elsewhere.

Away from European competition and Torreense host games at the 2,500-capacity Estadio Manuel Marques, a venue that does not meet UEFA requirements.

As a result, they must play their home matches in the competition around 60 miles away.

Torreense will take on Scottish Premiership side Celtic in their next Europa League game on November 26. Joao Nuno mentioned the upcoming fixture as he reacted to their latest win.

"That was an unforgettable night for everyone at Torreense, for the people at the club," he said after the victory over Ararat-Armenia.

"Given how the season has gone, it was an important win for the fans. Everyone identified with what we are trying to do. It was an absolutely epic victory and I could not ask for a better debut as a manager."

Nuno added: "Celtic are next here, so we will fight to do everything to try to get points and try to win the game. Let's continue our dream because we have done beautiful things in Europe this season."