Demirovic hat-trick fires Stuttgart to historic CL win

Ermedin Demirovic scored a 13-minute hat-trick as VfB Stuttgart beat Norwegian champions Viking FK 3-1 at home to claim their first-ever victory in a Champions League opener on Wednesday.

The visitors made the more threatening start, with Kristoffer Askildsen and Henrik Bjordal producing the first attempts, while Stuttgart initially struggled to create openings despite seeing plenty of the ball.

That changed with their first clear chance in the 20th minute. Angelo Stiller delivered from the byline and Demirovic converted from close range, the ball going in off the underside of the crossbar.

Viking responded almost immediately. Stuttgart lost possession in attack and Bjordal released Zlatko Tripic, who beat Finn Jeltsch before finding the far corner to level two minutes later.

Demirovic quickly restored the hosts' advantage, finishing after a pass from Deniz Undav in the 26th minute, again with the help of the underside of the bar.

The same combination struck six minutes later as Undav released Demirovic, whose effort slipped through goalkeeper Arild Ostbo to complete the treble and establish a 3-1 halftime lead.

Demirovic became the first Stuttgart player to score three goals in a single match in either the Champions League or its predecessor, the European Cup.

Viking pushed higher after the restart and enjoyed their strongest spell without seriously reducing Stuttgart's advantage. Tripic had an effort blocked before Chris Fuhrich sent a free kick narrowly over at the other end, while Jeff Chabot made an important intervention as the visitors continued to press.

Stuttgart regained greater control after the hour mark and managed their two-goal cushion through the closing stages.

Stuttgart's next Champions League match is a visit to Slovan Bratislava in mid-October.

"The three points were what mattered today. We could have played better, but we also must be happy to be back in the Champions League and to have won," said Demirovic. "There were a few situations where we allowed them too much, and our coach will not be happy about that."