Celtic have been warned not to underestimate Europa League opponents Torreense, with the Portuguese second-tier side determined to make their mark on the competition.
Torreense produced one of the biggest shocks in Portuguese football history last season when they defeated Sporting Lisbon in the Portuguese Cup final, becoming the first team from outside the top flight to lift the trophy.
It was the first major honour of the club’s 109-year existence and secured a place in the Europa League, where Martin O’Neill’s Celtic are among their eight league-phase opponents.
Their 2,431-capacity Estadio Manuel Marques does not meet the requirements to stage European fixtures, meaning Celtic’s trip to Portugal will instead be played at the 24,000-capacity Estadio Dr Magalhaes in Leiria.
Despite their underdog status, Torreense sporting director Andre Sabino insists they have no intention of simply making up the numbers.
He said via The Herald: “It’s a draw that fills us with pride because we’re here.
“We have our ambitions, but we have to be realistic and understand that every team we play at this level will be a huge challenge.
“We have to play some renowned European teams ahead.
“But we want to compete with them. Whoever the opponent is, our motivation will be sky-high.
“We know our limitations, but we also know our belief, ambition and our ability. I believe we will give a good impression.”
Meanwhile, Celta Vigo boss Claudio Giraldez has revealed his excitement at the prospect of bringing his side to Celtic Park.
The La Liga outfit will travel to Glasgow during the league phase, with Giraldez already well aware of the reputation surrounding European nights at Celtic Park.
He said: “I’m especially excited about the Celtic match because it’s a stadium with a spectacular atmosphere.
“I was just speaking to our scout, Borja Oubina, who played at their stadium and he said that it’s the best atmosphere he’s ever seen in his career.”
HAVE YOUR SAY – Join the Celtic conversation in our comments section below…
NEW BOOK LAUNCH FROM CELTIC STAR BOOKS…Celtic in the Fifties in two volumes, available to pre-order now…
Quick Tip – Add Celticshorts.com as your ‘Preferred Source’ on Google News for quick access to the Celtic content you value the most. It takes just a few seconds and you’ll notice the difference straight away! – Click HERE….Hail Hail!
1 Comment
I am sick and fed up hearing about players and managers telling us how much they’re looking forward to sampling the amazing atmosphere at Celtic Park on European nights.
I want players and managers dreading the trips here because we’ve turned it into a fortress again.
I want them telling the press what a difficult tie they have ahead.
I want the best teams in Europe not looking forward to visiting Celtic Park.
We know we make a great atmosphere – but all I want is wins.