Torreense vs Ararat-Armenia – News and Probable Lineups

Torreense is set to host Ararat-Armênia at the Estadio Dr. Magalhaes Pessoa this Thursday for the fourth round of the 2026-27 UEFA Europa League campaign.

In their last European match, Azul-grenas faced a tough defeat, losing 4-1 against Hungarian club Ferencvaros, while the Black and Whites were also convincingly dispatched by AZ Alkmaar at the Vazgen Sargsyan Republican Stadium.

Match overview

As the first team from the Portuguese second division to reach this stage after defeating Sporting CP 2-1 in last season’s Taca de Portugal final, Torreense can be satisfied with their start in their inaugural European campaign.

After an impressive victory over Norwegian side Lillestrom in their opening game, Azul-grenas suffered consecutive losses to Sunderland and Ferencvaros, currently placing them in 28th position in the Europa League standings, just outside the knockout phase due to goal difference.

Nonetheless, Torreense will have concerns regarding their recent performance in Liga Portugal 2, as they finished third last season narrowly missing promotion but have only managed to secure two wins from their first nine league matches this time around, sitting 12th in the table with merely a two-point cushion above the relegation zone.

To rebound from their back-to-back defeats in Europe, it will be crucial for Azul-grenas to improve their defensive stability; despite only five teams conceding fewer goals than they have domestically, they have already let in seven goals across their three continental fixtures.

Similarly, Ararat-Armênia is also making history in the Europa League this season as the first team from Armenia to participate in the primary competition, yet unlike Torreense, their start has not been as fruitful as they would have wished.

Having lost all three of their opening fixtures, the Black and Whites join Marseille, Celtic, and Viktoria Plzen as the only teams without any points after three games, but with a lesser goal difference, they sit at the bottom of the League Phase table.

In contrast, Manuel Tulipa can take some comfort in his team’s league performance, with Ararat-Armênia currently in second place in the Armenian Premier League, just two points behind leaders FC Noah, and they are unbeaten in their last seven matches.

With no previous encounters against Portuguese rivals, a victory for the Black and Whites on Thursday could mark a significant milestone, but they must address their defensive frailties, having conceded 11 goals in Europe so far—more than any other team in the competition.

Team News

The only confirmed absentee for Torreense ahead of Thursday’s encounter is French forward Adama Baradji, who remains sidelined with an undisclosed issue that has kept him out for the past month.

Following consecutive clean sheets, it seems likely that Nuno will field the same backline that started against Portimonense on Saturday, with Alejandro Alfaro and Amine Oudrhiri positioned just ahead of the defence.

After scoring the equalizer before halftime against Ferencvaros two weeks ago, it is all but certain that Manuel Pozo will feature again in the attack alongside Dany Jean and Malik Abubakari.

Ararat-Armênia welcomed back midfielder Zidane Banjaqui to the matchday squad on Sunday after a two-week absence, and defender Kamo Hovhannisyan has also returned from injury during the past week.

Despite having participated in the club’s Champions League qualifiers over the summer, Ganaian forward Paul Ayongo has been omitted from the European squad and will be the only absentee for the Black and Whites on Thursday evening.

Having netted five league goals this season, making him the club’s top scorer, Arayik Eloyan is anticipated to pose a significant attacking threat this week, aiming to score for the first time in his European career.

Torreense probable starting XI:

Adriel; David Bruno, Volnei, Stopira, Alcedo; Oudrhiri, Alfaro; Pozo, Jatta, Jean; Abubakari

Ararat-Armênia probable starting XI:

Joao Bravim; Oliveira, Wilson Valdez, Malis, Grigoryan; Balanta, Carlier; Serobyan, Ambartsumyan, Shaghoyan; Eloyanne

Without any points on the board yet, securing a win during Thursday’s visit to Portugal is crucial for Ararat-Armênia’s aspirations of reaching the knockout stages of the Europa League.

However, while they may be encountering difficulties in their domestic league, Torreense is seen as the favorite to claim victory this week and is expected to step out of the elimination positions with three points under the bright lights at the Estadio Dr. Magalhaes Pessoa.