Ermedin Demirovic hat-trick gives VfB Stuttgart winning Champions League start

VfB Stuttgart began their Champions League campaign with a 3-1 victory over debutants Viking FK, as Ermedin Demirovic scored three times in 12 outstanding minutes at the MHPArena.

The Bosnia international’s hat-trick secured an emphatic result for Stuttgart on the club’s 133rd birthday and transformed a previously subdued opening into a one-sided contest.

Stuttgart broke the deadlock in the 20th minute. Angelo Stiller found room inside the penalty area and delivered a dangerous ball, which Demirovic converted via the underside of the crossbar.

Viking FK responded almost immediately. Zlatko Tripic broke clear of the Stuttgart defence and finished low beyond goalkeeper Fabian Bredlow to level the match.

The visitors’ equaliser did little to change the momentum, however, as Stuttgart restored their lead six minutes later.

Deniz Undav split the Viking defence with an excellent pass, sending Demirovic into the penalty area. The striker powered his finish past the goalkeeper to make it 2-1 in the 26th minute.

Demirovic completed his treble before the half-hour mark. He brought an awkward pass from Undav under control before striking firmly towards goal. Viking goalkeeper Arild Østbø managed to get a hand to the effort, but could not prevent it from crossing the line.

All three goals had arrived within a 12-minute period, leaving Stuttgart firmly in command before half-time.

Viking FK could not mount a comeback after the interval, although Stuttgart continued to threaten. Jamie Leweling saw an early effort blocked, while Undav struck the post late in the match.

Demirovic’s display came after a period of uncertainty surrounding his future. Galatasaray had reportedly been pushing to sign the striker, but he ultimately decided to stay with Stuttgart.

Asked whether that frustration had contributed to his performance, Demirovic said he had been carrying additional emotion into the match.

“I think a few things had built up inside me, although I’m happy to be here now,” he told DAZN.

“I think by now that isn’t an issue anymore. I’m here now.”

The 27-year-old also suggested that a pre-match phone call from former Germany striker Nils Petersen might have brought him some luck.

“Maybe Nils brought me some luck with the phone call before the game. He gave me a little bit of luck over the phone,” he said.

Demirovic dismissed suggestions that the arrival of Dzenan Pejcinovic could create tension, with Undav also competing for a place in the starting line-up.

“I get on well with him, I get on well with everyone in the team. I only wish him the best, and hopefully he wishes the same for me,” Demirovic said.

“We need a strong squad. That includes having three strikers. There’s nowhere where you get a free pass to play every single game.

“No matter which of us plays, we have real quality on the pitch.”

Demirovic was named Player of the Match after his decisive contribution, but said Stuttgart’s ambitions extend beyond simply participating in Europe’s elite competition.

“We’re not here just to take part. We want to progress,” he said.

“And after that, I don’t think there are any limits on how far we can go.

“We can compete against any opponent. But first we have to concentrate on getting through, and then we’ll see what comes after that.”