Stuttgart's early onslaught stuns Champions League newcomers Viking

Stuttgart secured a 3-1 victory over Champions League debutants Viking at the Mercedes‑Benz Arena, with Ermedin Demirovic netting a 12‑minute first‑half hat‑trick to give the German side all three points. The forward opened the scoring on 20 minutes after Angelo Stiller's cut‑back, before the visitors equalised through captain Zlatko Tripic.

First‑half fireworks

The opening goal arrived in the 20th minute when Angelo Stiller delivered a low cut‑back that Ermedin Demirovic slotted into the roof of the net from close range. Two minutes later, Viking's captain Zlatko Tripic restored parity with a composed finish. Demirovic answered quickly, finishing from a pinpoint pass by Deniz Undav to make it 2‑1.

Just ten minutes on, the Bosnia‑Herzegovina international completed his hat‑trick, chesting down another Undav pass before unleashing a volley that flew past goalkeeper Arild Ostbo. The Bosnia native celebrated his third of the night. A VAR check raised questions about a possible handball, but the decision stood and the goal counted.

Second‑half stalemate and aftermath

The second half saw Viking push forward, but Stuttgart settled into a more defensive shape. The visitors failed to create a clear chance, and the German side held on for the three points.

Stuttgart's win marks a strong start to their Champions League campaign, while Viking, as Norwegian champions, now face German champions Bayern Munich at home in their next group fixture.

The match ended FT with Stuttgart 3‑1 Viking, confirming the German side's dominance in the opening round of the Champions League.