Ermedin Demirovic stole the show with a sensational first-half hat-trick as VfB Stuttgart kicked off their Champions League campaign with a 3-1 win over Viking FK. Despite his match-winning heroics on the club's 133rd anniversary, the Bosnian striker insisted improvements are still needed.
Viking FK captain Zlatko Tripic suffered a flight ordeal ahead of their Champions League debut against VfB Stuttgart after an overload of perfume triggered an allergic reaction. Despite the distraction, manager Morten Jensen and Tripic insist the Norwegian champions remain relaxed and ready for their historic European test.
VfB Stuttgart head coach Sebastian Hoeness has fiercely defended captain Deniz Undav following recent media criticism over his mixed form. Hoeness insisted Undav remains central to Stuttgart's Champions League return as they host Viking Stavanger.
Norwegian side Viking FK are taking the Champions League by storm using an unusual managerial structure featuring two head coaches. Morten Jensen and Bjarte Lunde Aarsheim share equal power and responsibilities, proving that having two bosses can deliver elite European success.
The road to Madrid begins this week as the league phase gets under way - but which teams are currently looking in the best shape to go on and lift the European Cup?
ZED FC
