Torreense vs Sunderland: Europa League 2026-27 second league-phase match at Estádio Dr. Magalhães Pessoa

Sport Clube União Torreense will face Sunderland AFC at the Estádio Dr. Magalhães Pessoa on October 15, 2026, in their second league-phase match of the UEFA Europa League 2026-27; Torreense come into the fixture after a 2-1 win over Lillestrøm while Sunderland opened the competition with a 1-0 victory against AZ Alkmaar.

The Liga Portugal 2 side began their European campaign with three points from the 2-1 win over Lillestrøm and will be led by Luís Tralhão; Torreense aim to control the game from the start, the pre-match coverage notes, or risk a difficult outing at home. The match represents Torreense’s second league-phase appearance in this season’s UEFA Europa League 2026-27 and offers a chance to extend their winning start.

Sunderland enter the game after a run of poor results in their last three Premier League matches, a sequence the pre-match notes says could affect their momentum heading into this UEL fixture. The Black Cats secured a 1-0 win over AZ Alkmaar in their opening Europa League match and will be looking for another positive result. Playing away at Estádio Dr. Magalhães Pessoa adds an additional challenge for Régis Le Bris’ men's visit.

Alejandro Alfaro is expected to carry responsibility in Torreense’s midfield, with the 24-year-old set to be deployed in the defensive midfield position; the pre-match update says he will be important in breaking up opposition plays and helping his side stand a chance against the Premier League opponent. Alfaro’s role in shielding the back line and starting transitions is highlighted as a key element of Torreense’s approach for this match.

Enzo Le Fée is identified as one of Sunderland’s central midfield figures, the 26-year-old having scored the match-winning penalty against AZ Alkmaar in the club’s opening Europa League game. The coverage describes Le Fée as a main man in midfield who is also capable of scoring goals and will be relied upon to influence Sunderland’s play in the middle of the park.

Both clubs now head into their second league-phase fixture of the UEFA Europa League 2026-27, with Torreense seeking to build on their opening win and Sunderland aiming to arrest their domestic form while maintaining momentum in Europe.