Ermedin Demirovic will take Stuttgart into their Champions League meeting with Atlético Madrid believing that one of Europe’s sternest defences can still be breached. The Bosnian forward has made a record-breaking start to the league phase, but insists his focus is on helping Stuttgart find a way through Atlético’s resistance.
Key takeaways
- Demirovic described Atlético as among the finest defensive teams on the continent.
- He has scored four times across Stuttgart’s opening two Champions League fixtures.
- Three of those goals came against Viking Stavanger.
- The return makes him Stuttgart’s leading scorer in the competition’s history.
- Stuttgart have played only two of a minimum six league-phase matches.
Stuttgart ready for Atlético’s defensive test
Demirovic said Stuttgart are fully aware of the scale of the task against Atlético, whose defensive organisation has long shaped their European identity. While he did not claim to know the precise numbers behind their record, he had no doubt about their standing.
“I do not know the exact statistics, but I know Atlético defend extremely well,” Demirovic said. “In that respect, they are one of Europe’s best teams, perhaps the best. We have to get past that, and we will do everything possible to do so.”
For Stuttgart, the visit brings a different kind of European examination: not merely continuing a promising scoring run, but doing it against opponents built to turn matches into narrow, unforgiving contests.
A record start, but more nights to come
Demirovic arrives in the tie after four goals in his first two Champions League appearances this season, including a hat-trick against Viking Stavanger. That haul has already placed him alone as Stuttgart’s all-time top scorer in the competition.
The striker admitted he has returned to watch the three-goal display more than once, drawing confidence from a night that has quickly become part of the club’s European record. Yet he is not treating the landmark as a finish line.
“I have watched the hat-trick again several times because it motivates me and gives me energy,” he said. “It is nice to know that I have set a record, but there is no time to dwell on it. We have played only two of at least six matches, so I have at least four more opportunities to add to it.”
