EUROPA LEAGUE: Portuguese Second-Tier Host Sunderland in Historic Clash...

Torreense won Portugal's cup competition in May by stunning Sporting in a penalty shootout, becoming the first second-division team ever to claim the trophy and securing a shock Europa League spot. Now the small club from 35 miles north of Lisbon—which hasn't played top-flight football since 1992 and has never hosted a European match—faces English Championship side Sunderland on Thursday. Their manager's brother works as an assistant to Jose Mourinho at Real Madrid, but Torreense's real statement has already been made: they've beaten Norwegian side Lillestrom and drawn three points in a competition where most expected them to earn none.