Ermedin Demirović scored a first-half hat-trick to lead VfB Stuttgart to a 3:1 victory against Norwegian champions Viking Stavanger in their opening match of the Champions League new league phase, according to match reports.
Demirović Hat-Trick Powers Stuttgart Past Stavanger
Stuttgart entered the contest as favorites, returning to Europe’s premier club competition 588 days after their previous appearance—a 4:1 defeat to reigning holders Paris Saint-Germain that ended their knockout stage ambitions. Despite holding heavy possession early on, the hosts lacked initial sharpness, allowing Stavanger to create early danger in their first Champions League campaign in over three decades. The match atmosphere carried a somber note as both teams wore black armbands to honor the flood victims of Nepal and Norway’s King Harald V, who was buried in Oslo earlier that day following his death on August 28 at age 89.
The game turned in a 12-minute span before halftime when Bosnia and Herzegovina international Demirović took control. First, he converted a fluid buildup involving Chris Führich and Angelo Stiller with a shot that skimmed the underside of the crossbar. Moments later, captain Deniz Undav delivered a precise pass that set up Demirović to strike the crossbar and bounce the ball over the line for his second. Demirović completed his three-goal haul following another half-height delivery from Undav, taking advantage of a misplay by Viking goalkeeper Arild Östbö. Sandwiched between the goals was a 22nd-minute equalizer from Viking captain Zlatko Tripic, a former Greuther Fürth player who capitalized on a defensive lapse by the Stuttgart backline.
Tactical Shape and Standout Contributions
While Demirović dominated the scoresheet, Deniz Undav orchestrated the attack. Undav went scoreless for the fourth competitive match of the season but recorded two assists and nearly added a fourth goal after the break, lifting a chip onto the top of the net in the 65th minute. Stuttgart’s defense showed vulnerability throughout the evening, nearly conceding a second goal in the 61st minute following a mix-up between goalkeeper Fabian Bredlow and midfielder Grischa Prömel.
Demirović expressed satisfaction with the outcome after his substitution to standing ovations. „Für mich persönlich ein perfekter Auftakt, aber auch für uns als Mannschaft. Wir hätten noch besser spielen können, aber wir haben gewonnen und die drei Punkte,“ Demirović said, describing the result as a near-perfect start despite room for tactical improvement.”
Standings and Upcoming Fixtures
The victory places Stuttgart on three points heading into the second round of the league phase. The club will travel to Slovakia to face Slovan Bratislava in mid-October.
What did you make of Stuttgart’s defensive lapses despite the win? Join the conversation in the comments below.
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