VfB Stuttgart forward Ermedin Demirović scored a quickfire hat-trick in a UEFA Champions League fixture against Viking, netting three goals in twelve first-half minutes. The performance marked a historic milestone for the club and created a selection dilemma for head coach Sebastian Hoeneß ahead of upcoming Bundesliga fixtures.
VfB Stuttgart opened their European campaign in emphatic fashion when Ermedin Demirović delivered a historic scoring display in the UEFA Champions League. The Bosnia-Herzegovina international struck three times in the space of 12 first-half minutes against Norwegian visitors Viking, breaking the deadlock early before responding immediately after the Scandinavian side equalized two minutes later.
Historic Milestones and Quickfire Goals Against Viking
The rapid treble not only propelled VfB Stuttgart to an important victory in the continental competition but also cemented Demirović’s place in the club’s record books. He became the first VfB player to score a hat-trick in the Champions League. Furthermore, with only 12 minutes separating his first and third goals, the feat stands as the fifth-fastest hat-trick since the competition began in 1992.
The achievement also placed the Hamburg-born striker alongside rare company on the continental stage.
Tactical Restraint Despite the Personal Triumph
Despite his personal heroics and a commanding first-half display, the 28-year-old forward refused to get carried away with the scoreline. He acknowledged that the Norwegian visitors created moments of genuine concern during counter-attacks in the second period, echoing concerns raised by the coaching staff.
He echoed head coach Sebastian Hoeness’ sentiment, stressing that the squad must refine their tactical discipline as the tournament progresses. We also know that we can do better in one or two situations and need to tighten up in our defensive transitions,
Demirović added. But on the whole, we achieved our objective for this evening.
He added that the squad ultimately accomplished its primary goal for the fixture. Reflecting on the evening, Demirović noted that the team can be proud of the decisive win.
“For me, it was obviously a perfect start. For us as a team, too. We could have played even better. But as a team, we can be proud that we clearly beat our opponent.”
Ermedin Demirović, via bundesliga.com
Selection Pressure for Upcoming Bundesliga Fixtures
The scoring burst arrives at an opportune moment for the player, who had been benched in both of Stuttgart’s opening Bundesliga matches. After starting just 17 times last season while still managing 15 goals in all competitions (with 12 of those coming in the Bundesliga), Demirović has faced increased competition for a starting role.
New signing Dženan Pejčinović has also been vying for a place in the starting XI, having previously notched a hat-trick on his debut against Hansa Rostock in the DFB Cup. That performance earned the Germany U21 international the preference from the outset in both of his new side’s Bundesliga outings, with Demirović instead having to make his impact from the bench.
Demirović had been introduced from the bench in Stuttgart’s opening two Bundesliga matches, but needed only 15 minutes after coming on against Cologne on Matchday 2 to open his league account in a 4-1 triumph. Aside from that, [he] will play a good role for us this year. He’s an important player for us,
Stuttgart head coach Hoeneß said of Demirović after the Cologne win. Add that to his treble against Viking, and that makes four goals in his past four appearances, an emphatic response from a player who has seemingly dropped down the pecking order at Stuttgart since the end of last season.
Demirović has staked his claim to start Stuttgart’s next Bundesliga match after his Champions League heroics, and whether that remains the case for this weekend’s regional derby at Hoffenheim remains to be seen. Head coach Sebastian Hoeneß now has a selection dilemma on his hands, though he could certainly have far worse headaches to deal with than having two forwards in fine goalscoring form. Demirović has responded very well to the added competition in attack, and after his clinical display against Viking, Hoeneß may find it increasingly difficult to leave him out.
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