Bavarian (Lack of) Grass Works: Bayern Munich preps for Champions League tilt on artificial turf

(Photo by Fairfax Media via Getty Images/Fairfax Media via Getty Images via Getty Images) | Fairfax Media via Getty Images Bayern Munich is taking extra precautions ahead of their UEFA Champions League clash with Viking FK, with sporting director Max Eberl explaining why the club will hold its final training session in Stavanger.

The Norwegian side’s artificial playing surface presents a different challenge for Vincent Kompany’s squad, which typically plays on natural grass. Rather than leave the adjustment until matchday, Bayern has opted to travel early enough to familiarize themselves with the conditions.

Eberl acknowledged that artificial turf can influence how a match plays out, making preparation on the actual surface a sensible decision for the German giants.