Michael Olise will be one of Bayern Munich’s key attacking threats when the German giants travel to Norway to face Viking FK in Tuesday’s UEFA Champions League clash, with the former Nigeria target looking to help his side secure another European victory.
The France international has established himself as an important figure in Bayern’s attack, combining creativity, close control and an ability to create scoring opportunities. His performance could prove crucial as Bayern look to maintain their momentum in Europe.
Olise was previously targeted by Nigeria during Gernot Rohr’s time as Super Eagles coach but ultimately committed his international future to France. The winger, who was born in England to a British-Nigerian father and a French-Algerian mother, has since developed into one of Bayern’s most exciting attacking players.
Sports247 reports that Bayern travel to Stavanger looking to respond positively after drawing 2-2 with Augsburg in the Bundesliga at the weekend. Vincent Kompany’s side began their Champions League campaign with a convincing 5-0 victory over Norwegian opponents Bodø/Glimt.
Viking, meanwhile, have enjoyed an impressive domestic campaign and remain a difficult opponent on home soil. They recorded a 2-0 victory over Brann in their most recent league outing but lost 3-1 away to Stuttgart in their opening Champions League fixture.
The Norwegian champions will need to be disciplined against a Bayern attack featuring Olise, Harry Kane and Luis Díaz. Olise’s ability to cut inside, combine with teammates and deliver dangerous passes could create problems for Viking’s defense.
However, the hosts have reasons to believe they can compete. Their home record and confidence from domestic football could help them make the contest uncomfortable for the visitors.
Bayern are expected to dominate possession, but Viking will look for opportunities to attack quickly and exploit spaces left behind when the visitors push forward.
For Olise, the fixture offers another chance to demonstrate why Bayern have invested so much confidence in his abilities. For Nigerian supporters, it is also a reminder of a player the Super Eagles once hoped to recruit.
Bayern remain the more experienced side at this level, but Viking will be determined to make their historic European occasion count.
