Bayern Munich travel to Viking Stavanger on Tuesday with a Champions League record temporarily on hold and a new goalkeeper under the spotlight. Manuel Neuer’s foot problem keeps him out of the Lyse Arena, where Bayern must adapt to artificial turf against Norwegian newcomers who have already been warned not to expect a routine night.
| Champions League matchday one | Result |
|---|---|
| Bayern Munich vs Bodo/Glimt | 5-0 |
| Stuttgart vs Viking Stavanger | 3-1 |
| Viking Stavanger vs Bayern Munich | Tuesday, 21:00 Spanish time |
Jonas Urbig will start in goal for Bayern after Kompany confirmed Neuer would not be risked in Norway. The 40-year-old captain has reported discomfort in his foot, with the coach insisting the issue does not appear serious but that there is no need to take unnecessary chances.
Neuer arrives at this enforced break after renewed scrutiny followed Bayern’s 2-2 draw with Augsburg on Saturday, when he was blamed for mistakes on both goals, particularly the opening one. Kompany, sporting director Max Eberl and president Herbert Hainer have all defended the veteran, but the discussion around his form has intensified in Germany.
For Urbig, regarded as Neuer’s long-term successor and Bayern’s second-choice goalkeeper, it will be his third appearance of the campaign. He conceded once in the 4-1 German Cup win over Osnabrück and again during the 2-1 Bundesliga victory against Elversberg.
Neuer’s record chase delayed
Neuer had been due to face the 54th different opponent of his Champions League career, a figure that would take him beyond Iker Casillas’ competition record. Instead, he is expected to target Bayern’s next European meeting with Slavia Prague after recovering from the foot issue.
Kompany has stressed that Bayern cannot underestimate a side playing its first season in Europe’s leading club competition. Viking Stavanger were beaten 3-1 by Stuttgart in their opening fixture, while Bayern began with a commanding 5-0 win over Bodo/Glimt.
The artificial surface at the Lyse Arena adds another element to the tie, and Bayern will face it without their usual goalkeeper as Urbig takes a significant European opportunity.
Expected line-ups and match details
| Viking Stavanger | Bayern Munich |
|---|---|
| Ostbo; Heggheim, Falchener, Stensness, Haugen; Askildsen, Moi, Bell; Bjordal, Christiansen, Tripic | Urbig; Laimer, Upamecano, Tah, Davies; Kimmich, Pavlovic; Olise, Saibari, Luis Díaz; Kane |
- Venue: Lyse Arena, Stavanger
- Kick-off: 21:00 Spanish time
- Referee: Georgi Kabakov, Bulgaria
