Bayern Munich Prepares for Rare Artificial Turf Match
As reported by sport.ORF.at, FC Bayern Munich faces two major talking points ahead of their second match in the UEFA Champions League league phase: the unfamiliar artificial turf of their opponent, Viking Stavanger, and the absence of star goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.
Manager Vincent Kompany adjusted the team’s travel schedule to allow players, including Austrian international Konrad Laimer, to get accustomed to the surface. Instead of training at home on natural grass, Bayern held their final training session directly at the Viking Stadium. “I have never played on artificial turf in 20 years of career,” Kompany noted during Monday’s final press conference, adding that he wanted his squad to get a feel for the ground and proper footwear.
Despite the unusual conditions, midfielder Joshua Kimmich expressed confidence. “I assume that you can also play very good football on artificial turf,” Kimmich said. Following a 5-0 victory in their opening match against FK Bodö/Glimt, Bayern aims for another win against Viking Stavanger, who have been notably strong at home, having lost only one competitive match in their home arena since August 2025.
Jonas Urbig Replaces Injured Manuel Neuer
In goal, 23-year-old Jonas Urbig will step in for Manuel Neuer, who is sidelined with a foot injury. Manager Kompany confirmed the decision on Monday evening, describing it as a “purely medical” precaution to avoid taking risks. It will be Urbig’s third competitive appearance this season.
Neuer recently made headlines after conceding the fastest goal in German league history during a match against Augsburg, where Robin Fellhauer scored after just 8.4 seconds following an error by the veteran goalkeeper. However, Bayern’s sporting director Max Eberl firmly backed the veteran, stating, “There are no doubts about Manu at all. Manu is our number one, and will remain so.”
RB Leipzig Seeks Redemption Against PSV Eindhoven
According to reports by sport.ORF.at, Germany’s second club in action on Tuesday, RB Leipzig, looks to carry momentum from a dominant 6-0 Bundesliga win over Eintracht Frankfurt into Europe. Under coach Martin Demichelis, Leipzig seeks redemption in the Champions League following a 1-4 defeat to Como in their league phase opener.
Leipzig will continue to miss Austrian international Christoph Baumgartner as he recovers from a thigh injury sustained in June, though he recently returned to partial team training. Meanwhile, PSV Eindhoven will be missing another Austrian player, Paul Wanner, due to a foot injury.