The 2009 re-branding included a merge with the UEFA Intertoto Cup, producing an enlarged competition format,
with an expanded group stage and a change in qualifying criteria.
The team participated for the first time in European competition in 1990 at the European Cup Winners' Cup, and played in the 1995,
1997 and 2000 UEFA Intertoto Cups.
Atlético narrowly missed out on qualification for the UEFA Cup, but by finishing in seventh place in the 2003-04 season,
they qualified for the 2004 UEFA Intertoto Cup, giving Torres a first taste
of a competition at the European level.