Ermedin Demirović scored three times in 12 first-half minutes as VfB Stuttgart marked their return to the UEFA Champions League with a 3–1 victory over Norwegian debutants Viking at the MHP Arena on Wednesday night.
Demirović struck in the 20th, 26th and 32nd minutes to produce Stuttgart’s first Champions League hat-trick in the club’s history and settle an entertaining opening-day contest before half-time. Zlatko Tripić briefly restored parity for Viking in the 22nd minute, but the Norwegian side could not withstand Stuttgart’s attacking surge. UEFA named Demirović Player of the Match.
The victory came on a significant night for Stuttgart, who were celebrating the club’s 133rd anniversary while making their return to Europe’s premier club competition after a season away. It was also their first Champions League appearance since their 2024/25 campaign, meaning the 3–1 win provided a perfect start to their latest European adventure.
Viking, appearing in the Champions League league phase for the first time, initially frustrated the hosts with a compact defensive shape. Stuttgart gradually increased the pressure, however, and Demirović opened the scoring in the 20th minute when he met Angelo Stiller’s cross and finished from close range.
The visitors responded almost immediately.
Two minutes after Stuttgart had taken the lead, Viking captain Zlatko Tripić capitalised on a defensive mistake and finished a swift counter-attack to bring the Norwegian champions level at 1–1.
The equaliser, however, only triggered another Stuttgart response. Demirović restored the hosts’ advantage in the 26th minute, finishing after excellent combination play involving Deniz Undav. Six minutes later, the Bosnian forward completed his hat-trick, again combining with Undav before controlling the ball on his chest and volleying home. The three goals arrived within just 12 minutes, leaving Stuttgart 3–1 ahead before the half-hour mark and effectively deciding the contest.
Stuttgart continued to create opportunities after the interval but were unable to add to their advantage. Demirović was eventually substituted after completing his remarkable contribution, while Viking struggled to reproduce the attacking threat that had produced their equaliser.
The result also highlighted the growing understanding between Demirović and Undav. Although Undav failed to score, he supplied two assists and played a central role in all three of his teammate’s goals.
Demirović: “A Day I Will Never Forget”
Speaking after the match, Demirović described the night as an unforgettable moment in his career.
“A day that I will not forget in my life,” the Bosnia and Herzegovina international said, describing the achievement as “unbelievable.”
The striker also used his post-match interview to defend Undav, who had again failed to score but had provided two assists. Demirović stressed that Undav remained a hugely important player and praised their understanding on the pitch.
“We understand each other blindly,” he said, while insisting that the competition for places among Stuttgart’s attacking players should be viewed as a strength rather than a source of jealousy.
His comments came after growing discussion around Undav’s lack of goals at the beginning of the season. Despite remaining without a goal in his fourth competitive appearance, Undav’s two assists against Viking demonstrated his influence in Stuttgart’s attacking structure.
Demirović’s performance, meanwhile, placed him temporarily at the top of the Champions League scoring charts after the opening night and provided a powerful response following a period in which his future at Stuttgart had been the subject of speculation.
Leave feedback about this