Stuttgart Defeat Viking on Club Anniversary as Demirovic Nets Hat-Trick

Key Takeaways:

• VfB Stuttgart celebrated their 133rd anniversary by defeating Viking FK 3-1 in the UEFA Champions League
• Ermedin Demirovic scored a stunning first-half hat-trick, including two goals assisted by Deniz Undav
• Stuttgart achieved their first-ever win against Norwegian opposition and will next travel to Slovan Bratislava

Match Analysis: Stuttgart Make Statement on Historic Night

VfB Stuttgart launched their UEFA Champions League campaign in emphatic fashion on their 133rd birthday, overcoming debutants Viking FK 3-1. This fixture not only marked Die Roten’s first encounter with Norwegian opposition in the competition but also witnessed their inaugural victory against a side from Norway. Playing in Europe’s premier club tournament for the second time in three seasons, Stuttgart enjoyed home advantage against the reigning Norwegian champions.

The opening stages saw both teams probing cautiously, but the tempo shifted dramatically after the 20th minute, ushering in a frenetic spell with four goals netted over a 12-minute span.

Wir starten in die UEFA Champions League mit einem Sieg daheim!

Mit Teamwork, königlicher Atmosphäre und drei Toren von Ermedin Demirovic holen wir uns die ersten drei Punkte.
Starker Auftritt, Jungs aus Cannstatt!#VfB | #VfB1893 | #StuttgartInternational | #UCL | #VfBVFK pic.twitter.com/tZLQNXSqjA

— VfB Stuttgart 1893 (@VfB) September 9, 2026

Demirovic’s Clinical Finishing Defines the First Half

The breakthrough came courtesy of intricate Stuttgart play, culminating in Angelo Stiller threading a pass into the area. Ermedin Demirovic finished off the move, turning the ball in off the crossbar to give Stuttgart the lead. However, Viking responded almost immediately when Zlatko Tripic broke away and slotted past Fabian Bredlow to restore parity.

Viking manager Morten Jensen would have hoped to keep the scoreline level until half-time, but Stuttgart had other ideas. Demirovic was clinical again in the 26th minute, latching onto Deniz Undav’s pinpoint pass to double his tally, once more sending the ball in off the bar. Six minutes later, Undav and Demirovic linked up once more, the latter skilfully controlling a difficult pass and firing a shot that proved too powerful for Arild Ostbo despite the keeper’s touch.

Second-Half Momentum and Missed Opportunities

Stuttgart entered the second half with a commanding two-goal cushion and nearly extended their lead immediately, as Jamie Leweling’s shot from close range was blocked. The hosts maintained pressure on Viking’s unsettled defence, with Undav almost getting on the scoresheet when his lob midway through the half landed on the roof of the net.

Undav continued to hunt for a goal, striking the post late on as Stuttgart sought to emphasise their dominance. Ultimately, Demirovic’s treble secured the points without further embellishment, making it a night to remember for the home side.

What’s Next for Both Sides

Securing three points in what appeared to be their most straightforward group fixture, Stuttgart now turn their attention to an away trip to Slovan Bratislava. Viking, meanwhile, will look to regroup before another challenging visit to Germany, where they will meet six-time champions Bayern Munich.