Ermedin Demirovic's Hat-Trick Launches Stuttgart's Champions League Campaign
Ermedin Demirovic marked VfB Stuttgart’s 133rd birthday with a performance the club will talk about for years.
On a night made for statements, the Bosnian striker delivered one of his own, smashing a ruthless hat-trick in a 3-1 win over Viking FK at the MHP Arena to launch Stuttgart’s Champions League league phase in style.
Slow start, ruthless response
Stuttgart began nervously, their passing cautious, their rhythm off. Viking smelled uncertainty and pressed high, snapping into challenges and looking dangerous on the break.
Then Demirovic changed everything.
On 20 minutes, he darted into space and reacted quickest to a clever through ball from Angelo Stiller, prodding the pass home from close range. A scruffy finish, perhaps, but exactly what Stuttgart needed to settle.
The lead barely lasted two minutes.
Viking hit back instantly, slicing through on the counter as Zlatko Tripic finished off a swift break to stun the home crowd and drag the Norwegian side level. For a brief spell, the mood inside the stadium dipped. Stuttgart wobbled.
That was as generous as Demirovic was willing to be.
Twelve minutes, three goals, one statement
Stuttgart’s response was ferocious. The tempo rose, the press tightened, and Demirovic began to own the penalty area.
Working in tandem with Deniz Undav, he found another gear. The pair combined superbly in transition, Undav repeatedly pulling defenders out of position and feeding his strike partner.
Demirovic’s second goal showcased his finishing at its most emphatic. Collecting the ball in space, he powered his shot into the roof of the net, giving the goalkeeper no chance and restoring Stuttgart’s lead with authority.
Minutes later, the hat-trick arrived.
Again linking with Undav, Demirovic took control inside a crowded box, his first touch immaculate, his second ice-cold. With defenders closing in, he kept his head, manipulated the ball and picked his spot to complete a 12-minute treble that effectively killed the contest before half-time.
By the interval, Stuttgart were 3-1 up and cruising, their early nerves long forgotten.
No complacency from the hat-trick hero
After the final whistle, Demirovic allowed himself a brief smile. Three goals, three points, and the perfect start to a European campaign.
“The win is a nice way to kick off the Champions League campaign,” he said. “We’ve picked up three points and I’m pleased about my three goals.”
There was no swagger in his assessment, though. No hint that he believed the job was done.
Demirovic was quick to point out that Viking had caused problems, especially when Stuttgart over-committed and left space for counters in the second half. The visitors continued to break dangerously, forcing Stuttgart to stay alert and exposing the odd lapse in defensive structure.
“We also know that we can do better in one or two situations and need to tighten up in our defensive transitions,” he admitted. “But on the whole, we achieved our objective for this evening.”
His words echoed the stance of head coach Sebastian Hoeness, who has been demanding greater tactical discipline as the level of opposition ramps up.
Control, missed chances, and what comes next
Stuttgart managed the closing stages with maturity. They slowed the game when needed, shut down space in midfield and denied Viking the clear sights of goal they had enjoyed earlier on the break.
Undav, excellent in his link-up play, could have added further gloss to the scoreline. He passed up late chances to stretch the lead, but by then Stuttgart were firmly in control and rarely looked like letting Viking back into the contest.
As opening nights go, this was exactly what Hoeness would have wanted: a convincing win, a hat-trick from his main striker, and a reminder that there is still plenty to polish.
Demirovic’s clinical edge now looms as a major asset for Stuttgart, both in Europe and at home. With tougher league phase fixtures on the horizon and a demanding domestic schedule running alongside them, the question is no longer whether he can carry this form forward.
It’s how far it can take Stuttgart.
