Demirović’s 12-minute hat-trick sends Stuttgart past Viking 3-1

Ermedin Demirović scored three times in 12 minutes as VfB Stuttgart defeated Viking 3-1 at the MHPArena on Wednesday. The listed Champions League table leaves Stuttgart 21st and Viking 22nd, both on 0 points, three behind leaders Manchester City.

How it happened

Stuttgart seized control through Demirović, who opened the scoring in the 20th minute after Angelo Stiller’s assist. Viking responded two minutes later when Zlatko Tripić converted Henrik Bjørdal’s delivery, but Demirović restored Stuttgart’s lead in the 26th minute with Deniz Undav providing the assist, then completed his hat-trick at 32’ from another Undav pass.

The 3-1 scoreline was already in place at half-time, and neither side added to it after the interval. Stuttgart registered 16 shots to Viking’s 9, while the hosts’ 62% possession and 540 accurate passes helped preserve their advantage at the MHPArena.

The numbers

Stuttgart’s passing volume was a major separator: 626 total passes compared with Viking’s 384, with the visitors completing 273 accurately against 540 for the hosts. Stuttgart also produced 10 shots inside the box and 6 from outside, while Viking managed 5 and 4 respectively.

The teams finished level on shots on target at 3-3, but Stuttgart had 9 shots off goal to Viking’s 1. Viking goalkeeper saves were recorded at 0, compared with 2 for Stuttgart, and the visitors collected 3 yellow cards while Stuttgart received none.

Who decided it

Demirović shaped the match with three goals from three shots on target and earned a 9.5 rating despite playing 62 minutes. Undav supported the decisive spell with 2 assists and 3 key passes, while Stiller added 1 assist, 2 key passes and 2 tackles in 90 minutes.

Why it matters

Stuttgart’s 3-1 win puts them ahead of Viking in the listed standings at #21 to #22, although both remain on 0 points from 0 games. Manchester City lead on 3 points, leaving Stuttgart and Viking three points behind the league leader.