Match Centre

Stuttgart's 3-1 victory slightly flattered them on the balance of play, with a 5.0 xG underperformance from their 17 shots (just 3 on target) offset by Ermedin Demirović's clinical finishing. The Bosnian's first-half hat-trick (20', 26', 32') – all assisted from open play – proved decisive, converting Stuttgart's 62% possession into goals despite 10 off-target attempts from their 11 shots inside the box.

Viking were more efficient in front of goal (3 shots on target from 9 attempts) and matched Stuttgart's xG of 3.0, but paid for defensive lapses during Stuttgart's three-goal blitz between minutes 20-32. While Viking created fewer chances, they won more corners (5 to 4) and forced 5 blocked shots, suggesting Stuttgart's midfield dominance (626 passes to 384) didn't always translate to clean attacking transitions.

The deciding factor was Demirović's 100% conversion rate – his three goals came from Stuttgart's only three on-target attempts in the first half, against Viking's two first-half yellow cards that disrupted their defensive shape.