Lillestrom vs Torreense Prediction & Tips | Europa League - League phase | FootballTips.app

Lillestrøm begin their Europa League league-phase campaign at home against competition debutants Torreense, with both clubs entering unfamiliar territory. Hans Erik Ødegaard’s side are back in a major European competition for the first time since 2000/01, while the Portuguese visitors are making their continental debut.

The Norwegian side reached this stage by beating Egnatia Rrogozhinë 2-1 on aggregate in the play-offs. After a goalless first leg, Lillestrøm needed extra time in the return before goals from Sander Foss and Thomas Lehne Olsen finally carried them through.

Torreense arrive without having played a European qualifier this season, but their appearance is historic nonetheless. They are the 24th Portuguese club to feature in a major European competition and the first side from outside their country’s top flight to reach the Europa League proper since Zürich in 2016/17.

Recent form favours the hosts. Lillestrøm have won four of their last six matches in all competitions, including three in succession, while Torreense have managed only one victory across the same span and have struggled to make fast starts, scoring just once before half-time in those six matches.

There are still reasons for caution around Lillestrøm. They have conceded in four of their last five home games and were beaten 4-1 by Fredrikstad at Åråsen less than three weeks ago, suggesting Torreense may find chances if they stay compact and counter efficiently.

Even so, the hosts have more recent momentum and considerably more European know-how in the squad. With Fredrik Gulbrandsen leading the line and home advantage behind them, Lillestrøm should view this as a strong opportunity to make a winning start.