Sunderland fans soak up Portugal sun ahead of clash

Thousands of Sunderland fans have made the journey to north-west Portugal for the team's first competitive fixture on mainland Europe in 53 years.

Sunderland AFC play Portuguese second division team Torreense in the Europa League later but as the host's grounds are so small, the game is being held about 66 miles (106km) away in the city of Leiria.

Speaking from the sun-soaked city, Luke Thompson showed off his new chest tattoo commemorating Sunderland's entry to the Europa League.

"Five years ago we were in League One, now we're in Europe," he said. "Might never happen again."

Young fan George said he was enjoying Sunderland's European campaign so far.

"It's amazing, loads of away games – hot places, cold places," he said.

"Maybe we'll win Europe, maybe go [to the] Champions League if we're lucky."

To reach the city, Sunderland fan Matthew Keeling drove to Liverpool from where he flew to Porto - followed by a two-hour bus journey.

He said it felt "weird" to be following his team across Europe and he did not think "anyone really knows what to expect".

Nevertheless Keeling said he had booked flights for trips to Poland and Milan as part of Sunderland's European campaign.

"Hopefully we do all right and we can have a few more after Christmas and extend it," he said.

Fan John McIver said he had reached Leiria by flying from Newcastle to Paris followed by a flight to Lisbon, followed by a hire car.

"It was a very long day," he said.

McIver said the European campaign was the "biggest thing".

"Nothing compares to it really - not even cup finals," he said.

"It might never come around again."

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