Torreense rally from a man down to beat Ararat-Armenia 3-2 in Europa League

A comeback in Leiria

Torreense beat Ararat-Armenia 3-2 on 5 November in Leiria, in the fourth matchday of the Europa League. It was the club's second win in the competition and its first at home. The result lifted Torreense, a side that competes in the Portuguese second division, into the top 20 of the table, where it now sits 19th. For João Nuno it was his first European match in charge, and his first win with the team in front of its own supporters.

Sent off and behind

Torreense took the lead early through Jorge Aguirre, the Cuban forward who previously played for Gil Vicente. Shortly afterwards Aguirre was sent off after a challenge on Colombian midfielder Balanta, and Torreense then played with ten men for almost an hour. Ararat-Armenia, which had not yet created a clear chance, equalised in the 41st minute through veteran Muradyan, and the state of the pitch influenced the move as the ball took a slight bounce. Bruno Wilson put the visitors ahead in the 58th minute, and Ararat-Armenia appeared on course for a first European win.

Stoppage-time turnaround

Dany Jean and João Marques pushed Torreense forward in the second half, and the home side drew level at 2-2 before the end. Ararat-Armenia was also down to ten after its goalkeeper was sent off in the final stages. Torreense then struck in added time, at 90+3 and 90+5, to turn the match around. Javi Vázquez and Drammeh were credited with saving the night for a side that is still establishing itself in the Portuguese second division. Vázquez said the team had believed until the end and that he was glad to have helped.

“We are living through things I never imagined.”

Coaches on the changes

João Nuno said the sending off came too early, when Torreense had been playing well, and that the plan had to change. He moved a left-back into a wide role to help defend the flanks, and said Amine Oudrhiri's introduction in midfield helped stabilise the game. He praised the team's attitude and personality and said the players deserved to enjoy the closing stages.

“It was an epic victory! I think we lived up to Portuguese football, and next up is Celtic. Let us dream.”

Manuel Tulipa, the Ararat-Armenia coach, said his side wanted to play their own game but struggled early to press at the right moments. He said the visitors controlled the match after the sending off, yet lost organisation during their substitutions, and that Ararat-Armenia's goalkeeper came out to cut out a through ball and committed a foul. Tulipa said the visitors stopped seeking possession once the contest became 10 against 10.

“In a game of equal numbers, 10 against 10, we stopped wanting the ball, and that was a problem.”

Tulipa, who had previously coached Torreense, also thanked Cristiano Ronaldo for his contribution to Portuguese football, saying that all Portuguese should thank him.

What comes next

João Nuno said Torreense will face Celtic next and will try to win that match. He added that the final standings will be settled at the end of the league phase. Tulipa said his team must become more compact and close off the area better after conceding from a cross in the closing minutes.