Torreense secured a 3-2 victory over Ararat-Armenia in the fourth round of the Europa League league phase, scoring twice in stoppage time at the Estádio Municipal de Leiria. The result keeps the Portuguese second-division side’s European hopes alive while leaving the Armenian club without a point in the competition.
Early lead and tactical shift following Aguirre’s dismissal
The match began positively for the team from Torres Vedras, with Jorge Aguirre putting Torreense ahead in the 13th minute. However, the momentum shifted significantly when Aguirre was shown a straight red card just nine minutes later for a “disproportionate” challenge. Despite the numerical disadvantage, the Portuguese side remained competitive throughout the first half, though they entered the break trailing after Ararat-Armenia capitalized on the extra space.
Ararat-Armenia takes control in Leiria
The Armenian side utilized their numerical advantage to turn the game around before the hour mark. Muradyan leveled the score in the 41st minute, and Bruno Wilson added a second goal for the visitors in the 58th minute. Manuel Tulipa, the Ararat-Armenia coach, stated post-match that his team committed “many defensive errors” and suffered from a lack of “attitude and experience” despite dominating the middle portion of the match following the initial red card.
Stoppage time goals seal victory
The match dynamics shifted again in the 76th minute when Ararat-Armenia goalkeeper João Bravim was sent off, leveling the playing field at 10 players aside. The dismissal allowed the home side to mount a final offensive. Javi Vázquez equalized for Torreense in the 90+3 minute, and Drammeh scored the winner in the 90+5 minute, securing the club’s second victory of the tournament.
Torreense climbs standings while Ararat sits bottom
With this win, Torreense moves to 19th place in the league phase standings with six points. Conversely, Ararat-Armenia remains in 36th place, the bottom of the table, with four defeats from four matches. Manuel Tulipa acknowledged the difficulty of the situation, noting that while the club’s current run is challenging, their participation in the competition remains a significant milestone for the team.
Match facts at a glance
- Venue: Estádio Municipal de Leiria
- Torreense Scorers: Jorge Aguirre (13′), Javi Vázquez (90+3′), Drammeh (90+5′)
- Ararat-Armenia Scorers: Muradyan (41′), Bruno Wilson (58′)
- Red Cards: Jorge Aguirre (Torreense, 22′); João Bravim (Ararat-Armenia, 76′)
- Tournament Standings: Torreense (19th, 6 points); Ararat-Armenia (36th, 0 points)
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