Second-tier Portuguese side Torreense experienced another night to remember as they clocked up victory number two in the Europa League in four matches, in the most dramatic of circumstances.
After making headlines across the football world, the fairytale story seemed to be fizzling out for the modest club from Torres Vedras.
A shock Portuguese Cup final win over Sporting had been followed up by victory on their Europa League debut against Lillestrom in Norway.
But after a narrow defeat against Sunderland, Torreense suffered a chastening 4-1 thrashing in Hungary, versus Ferencvaros, which along with poor domestic form cost coach Luís Tralhão his job.
New coach, more heroics
But under new coach João Nuno, Torreense wrote another golden chapter in the most incredible year in the club’s history.
An early goal by Jorge Aguirre put the Portuguese team ahead in Leiria, but the Spanish forward went from hero to villain when he received a red card midway through the first half.
The Armenians took advantage to turn around the match with goals by Muradyan and Bruno Wilson either side of half time.
On 76 minutes Ararat goalkeeper João Bravim was sent off to make it ten against ten.
Nevertheless, the visitors looked set to hold on for the win as the game went into stoppage time with Ararat still leading.
Torreense had other ideas though, as goals by Javi Vázquez (93’) and Drammeh (95’) sent the home fans into raptures of joy.
With six points from a possible 12 at the halfway stage of the league phase, Torreense are in 19th place in the 36-team table and in the mix for a place in the playoff round.
