# Bayern prepare for Viking’s artificial pitch as Champions League campaign moves to Norway

The German side visit Stavanger after a 5-0 European opener and a Bundesliga draw, with Manuel Neuer’s fitness shaping the goalkeeper decision.

By The Signal Edition | Sports / Soccer
Published: 2026-10-13T19:02:33.613276Z
Updated: 2026-10-13T19:02:33.613276Z
Canonical: https://www.thesignaledition.com/article/bayern-viking-stavanger-preview-vy2haw

## Summary
- The October 13 fixture is at Lyse Arena in Stavanger.
- Bayern trained early on the artificial surface.
- Viking enter after a 3-1 opening loss at Stuttgart.

## A different surface

Bayern Munich’s first away match of this Champions League campaign takes them to Viking in Stavanger on October 13. The club’s official preview says the visitors traveled early to train on Lyse Arena’s artificial pitch. Bayern regard the surface as a preparation issue rather than a reason to change their ambition of winning the match. [1](https://fcbayern.com/en/news/matchpreviews/2026/10/preview-viking-bayern-champions-league-matchday-2)

The German side opened the league phase with a 5-0 victory over another Norwegian club, Bodø/Glimt. They then returned from the international break with a 2-2 draw at Augsburg, according to Bayern’s account. That draw interrupted a run in which they had won every competitive fixture except a goalless meeting with Schalke. [1](https://fcbayern.com/en/news/matchpreviews/2026/10/preview-viking-bayern-champions-league-matchday-2)

## Fitness shapes selection

Bayern say Jamal Musiala did not travel as he continues his comeback. Konrad Laimer did join the squad after missing the Augsburg game following the birth of his child. The club’s preview also identifies Jonas Urbig as the likely goalkeeper because Manuel Neuer felt discomfort in his foot and was not expected to train Monday. [1](https://fcbayern.com/en/news/matchpreviews/2026/10/preview-viking-bayern-champions-league-matchday-2)

Bavarian Football Works’ October 13 guide likewise lists Neuer’s foot issue among the selection concerns. Its proposed lineup is a prediction, not a confirmed team sheet. The distinction matters because availability updates and anticipated selections describe the situation before kickoff and can change when the starting eleven is announced. [2](https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/bayern-munich-champions-league/267052/champions-league-matchday-preview-viking-fk-vs-bayern-munich)

## Viking’s recent return to Europe

Bavarian Football Works describes Viking’s joint coaching arrangement under Bjarte Lunde Aarsheim and Morten Jensen and their first Norwegian title in 34 years. Its preview says the club’s opening Champions League match ended in a 3-1 defeat at Stuttgart. That provides the hosts’ competitive background to their meeting with Bayern. [2](https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/bayern-munich-champions-league/267052/champions-league-matchday-preview-viking-fk-vs-bayern-munich)

The guide lists Lyse Arena as the venue and kickoff at 9 p.m. local time, or 3 p.m. Eastern, with Paramount+ carrying US coverage. Those details identify the fixture and viewing arrangements. They do not establish a result, and the guide’s separate score forecast should not be read as something that has already happened. [2](https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/bayern-munich-champions-league/267052/champions-league-matchday-preview-viking-fk-vs-bayern-munich)

## Reporting sources
1. [FC Bayern Munich: Preview: Viking vs. Bayern, Champions League Matchday 2](https://fcbayern.com/en/news/matchpreviews/2026/10/preview-viking-bayern-champions-league-matchday-2) (October 12, 2026)
2. [Bavarian Football Works: Champions League Matchday Preview: Viking FK vs. FC Bayern](https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/bayern-munich-champions-league/267052/champions-league-matchday-preview-viking-fk-vs-bayern-munich) (October 13, 2026)