VfB Stuttgart 3-1 Viking FK – Stuttgart claim a decisive win in the Champions League.

The UEFA Champions League League Phase fixture took place at the MHPArena in Stuttgart on 9 September 2026. Home side VfB Stuttgart hosted Norwegian side Viking FK in front of a supportive crowd, looking to secure early points in the competition.

How it unfolded

The opening stages were eventful. In the 20th minute, Ermedin Demirovic opened the scoring for Stuttgart with a right-footed finish from very close range to the bottom left corner, after a precise pass from Angelo Stiller. Just two minutes later, Viking responded swiftly; Zlatko Tripic restored parity in the 22nd minute, lashing a left-footed shot from the left side of the box into the centre of the goal, set up by Henrik Rorvik Bjordal.

Stuttgart reclaimed the lead four minutes after that, as Demirovic struck again in the 26th minute. He received a through ball from Deniz Undav and placed a right-footed shot from the centre of the box into the high centre of the net. The momentum shifted further in the 32nd minute when Demirovic completed his hat-trick. Another centre-box effort, this time assisted again by Undav, was confirmed after a VAR review, giving Stuttgart a 3-1 advantage.

The second half saw disciplinary action rather than further goals. Viking’s Kristoffer Askildsen was shown a yellow card in the 42nd minute for a bad foul. The cautioning continued with Peter Christiansen receiving a yellow card in the 54th minute, also for a bad foul, and Joe Bell booked in the 58th minute for a similar infraction. No further goals were recorded, and the match concluded with Stuttgart comfortable winners.

Standout performers

Ermedin Demirovic was the clear match-winner, netting three goals and earning the man-of-the-match accolade. His finishing was complemented by the creative contributions of Angelo Stiller, who supplied the opening assist, and Deniz Undav, who provided the decisive passes for the second and third goals.

For Viking FK, Zlatko Tripic’s goal was the highlight, demonstrating composure under pressure, while Henrik Rorvik Bjordal’s assist set up that strike.

Match facts

  • Final score: VfB Stuttgart 3-1 Viking FK
  • Scorers:
    • Ermedin Demirovic (Stuttgart) – 20', 26', 32'
    • Zlatko Tripic (Viking) – 22'
  • Assists:
    • Angelo Stiller (Stuttgart) – 20'
    • Deniz Undav (Stuttgart) – 26', 32'
    • Henrik Rorvik Bjordal (Viking) – 22'
  • Bookings:
    • Kristoffer Askildsen (Viking) – yellow, 42' (bad foul)
    • Peter Christiansen (Viking) – yellow, 54' (bad foul)
    • Joe Bell (Viking) – yellow, 58' (bad foul)
  • Venue: MHPArena, Stuttgart

What it means

The victory gives VfB Stuttgart three points from the Champions League League Phase, putting them in a strong position as the group stage progresses. Viking FK, on the other hand, return to the competition with a single defeat, needing points from upcoming fixtures to stay competitive.