Ermedin Demirovic's 12-minute first-half hat-trick earned Stuttgart victory in a thrilling match against Champions League debutants Viking.

The forward opened the scoring on 20 minutes, lashing into the roof of the net from close range from Angelo Stiller's cut-back.

Norwegian champions Viking had started the game well and quickly equalised, captain Zlatko Tripic slotting home two minutes later.

But Bosnia-Herzegovina international Demirovic quickly restored his side's lead with a simple finish from Deniz Undav's pinpoint pass.

The pair then combined again on 32 minutes with Demirovic chesting down Undav's pass and striking sweetly on the volley to net his third.

There was a video assistant referee intervention with questions over whether Demirovic had handled the ball and goalkeeper Arild Ostbo will perhaps think he could have done better, but it ultimately proved enough to secure the three points.

Viking were positive after the break as Stuttgart went for a more defensive approach but the visitors were unable to mount a comeback.

Things will get no easier for the Stavanger-based side as they welcome German champions Bayern Munich in their first home match of the campaign next week.

Watch highlights of every Champions League game from 22:00 on Wednesday on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website and app.

There will also be a Champions League Match of the Day on BBC One on Wednesday, from 22:40 to 00:00.