Demirovic hat-trick powers Stuttgart past Viking

Ermedin Demirovic struck a devastating first-half hat-trick as Stuttgart survived a spirited challenge from Champions League newcomers Viking to claim all three points in an entertaining encounter.

The Bosnian forward needed just 12 minutes to take complete control of the contest. He opened the scoring midway through the first half, firing emphatically into the roof of the net after being picked out by Angelo Stiller's cut-back.

Viking's response was immediate. The Norwegian champions, who had made a bright start to the match, levelled through captain Zlatko Tripic just two minutes later to briefly silence the home crowd.

However, Demirovic was in no mood to let Stuttgart lose momentum. He restored the lead with a composed finish after being released by a perfectly weighted pass from Deniz Undav before completing his hat-trick on 32 minutes.

The striker brought down another excellent delivery from Undav and volleyed home in clinical fashion.

There was a brief VAR check over a possible handball in the build-up to his third goal, while Viking goalkeeper Arild Ostbo may feel he could have done more, but the strike stood and ultimately proved decisive.

Viking showed plenty of intent after the break and pushed forward as Stuttgart adopted a more cautious approach. Despite enjoying spells of pressure, the visitors were unable to find a route back into the match.

The Stavanger outfit now face an even sterner challenge as they prepare to host German champions Bayern Munich in their first home fixture of the campaign next week.