Demirovic celebrates hat-trick in VfB win against Stavanger

Ermedin Demirovic first gave his friend Deniz Undav a kiss on the pitch - and then later a few warm words. “I think Deno will shut up all the critics again and again,” said the VfB Stuttgart striker after his three-goal gala at the start of the Champions League. Demirovic and Undav - the steam makers from Bad Cannstatt are back. One shone as an enforcer in the 3-1 win against Viking Stavanger, the other at least as a preparer.

“A day that I will never forget in my life,” said Demirovic after his historic hat-trick against the Norwegian champions. No VfB professional had ever managed three goals in one game in the premier class. There was “huge praise” for Demirovic from coach Sebastian Hoeneß.

The 28-year-old had his teammates sign the ball, which he took home with him. Demirovic had already taken a selfie with the Man-of-the-Match trophy a long time ago. What an evening.

“Huge name”: VfB captain Undav polarizes

He should give the Stuttgart team courage - despite various wobbles on the defensive. For more big Champions League appearances. And also for the away game in the Bundesliga at TSG 1899 Hoffenheim on Saturday (3:30 p.m./Sky), which could be a lot trickier.

Demirovic's three goals weren't the only positive news for the Swabians. Undav was also convincing - although not in the finish. “Scoring two goals is not a given either,” said Demirovic about his offensive partner. He is a “huge player” and has a “giant name”. Accordingly, he is often talked about. “Don’t worry,” said Demirovic. Undav will always “remain important”.

The 30-year-old Undav has been in the spotlight at VfB for a long time - not just since he took over the captain's armband this summer. The World Cup participant has become a face of the club, captivating the masses but also polarizing. Before Demirovic, coach Hoeneß had already vehemently defended his star striker this week. Against Stavanger on Wednesday, Undav showed his best performance of the season so far. Has the dip in form been overcome? Undav “helped control” the game, said sports director Fabian Wohlgemuth.

Competition “misses Demirovic’s ass”

Stuttgart's offensive is currently a constant topic. Because in addition to Demirovic and Undav, the two friends and steam generators, there has also been Dzenan Pejcinovic since this season. Coach Hoeneß has a lot to choose from - and always has to make difficult decisions.

Demirovic, about whom there had been rumors of a move in the summer, was allowed to start against Stavanger for the first time this season. “Something had already built up” in him, he admitted. He let it out impressively on the lawn.

Pejcinovic, who scored a hat-trick in the 4-0 win in the DFB Cup at Hansa Rostock three weeks ago, was only a joker this time. Will the newcomer from Wolfsburg get his starting eleven spot back so quickly? “I don't care who my competitor is or whatever,” said Demirovic when asked about the exciting role battle in the VfB attack. "I'm good with him, I'm good with everyone in the team," he explained, referring to Pejcinovic.

“No matter who of us plays, we have really good quality on the pitch,” said Demirovic. This also applies to Undav. The Bosnia-Herzegovina national striker said that people like to tease people from outside. There is no sign of this within the team. Instead there are kisses and warm words.