Despite playing against Panathinaikos this upcoming Thursday (February 20), the Icelandic team is arriving in Greece today to train on grass pitches and adapt to local conditions.

Vikingur made history as the first Icelandic team to win in a UEFA knockout round, defeating Panathinaikos 2-1. On Thursday, February 20, at OAKA, they will play their final match for a spot in the Conference League round of 16.

Given the historical significance of the match, the team withdrew from the domestic League Cup, originally scheduled for the weekend.

This decision isn’t about rest, but rather about the trip to Athens! Yes, Vikingur’s team is expected at Athens’ Eleftherios Venizelos Airport at 22:45 on Friday evening.

The squad arrives nearly a week in advance to acclimate to Greece and train on natural grass, since in Iceland, as well as Finland (where their last match was played), the fields are made of synthetic turf.