Ermedin Demirovic erupts to fire Stuttgart to Champions League win

The Bosnia international scored a remarkable hat-trick in just 12 minutes at the MHPArena, giving Stuttgart the perfect result as they celebrated their 133rd birthday.

After a quiet opening, the match suddenly came to life when Demirovic opened the scoring in the 20th minute. Angelo Stiller found space inside the box and his delivery was turned in off the crossbar by the Stuttgart striker.

Viking responded quickly through Zlatko Tripic, who raced through on goal before beating Fabian Bredlow with a low finish.

But Stuttgart regained control almost immediately.

Deniz Undav played a superb pass through the Viking defence for Demirovic to run onto, and the striker made no mistake with a powerful finish in the 26th minute.

Six minutes later, Demirovic completed his hat-trick. He controlled an awkward pass from Undav before unleashing a powerful strike that goalkeeper Arild Ostbo could only get a hand to before it crossed the line.

The three goals came in the space of just 12 minutes and put Stuttgart firmly in control.

Viking were unable to find a way back into the game after the break, despite Stuttgart continuing to create chances. Jamie Leweling saw an early effort blocked, while Undav hit the post late on.

For Demirovic, the performance came after a difficult period in which his future had been the subject of transfer speculation, with Galatasaray reportedly pushing to sign him before the striker decided to remain in Stuttgart.

Asked afterwards whether frustration had helped inspire his hat-trick, Demirovic admitted that he had been carrying some extra emotion.

"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."

Demirovic also joked that former Germany striker Nils Petersen may have given him some extra luck before the game.

"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.

The striker also dismissed any concerns about competition for places following the arrival of Dzenan Pejcinovic, with Undav also competing for a starting role.

"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 outstanding display, but he insisted Stuttgart are targeting more than simply making up the numbers in Europe.

"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."

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