Torreense warn Celtic they are not in Europa League to make up the numbers

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.”