Demirovic propels Stuttgart beyond St Pauli

Ermedin Demirovic found the net once and provided an assist as VfB Stuttgart recovered from a sluggish season opener to secure a 2-0 home victory against St Pauli on Friday night.

Tasked with leading the attack following Nick Woltemades high transfer fee departure to Newcastle and Deniz Undavs knee issue, Demirovic earned his first captaincy honour that evening.

German international Angelo Stiller spurned a penalty opportunity during the first half, but Demirovic edged Stuttgart ahead near the break with a lofted strike into the top corner.

Early in the second period, Demirovic teed up Bilal El Khannouss for the second goal. The Bosnia forward, hailing from Hamburg, also saw a pair of efforts chalked off for offside, split across the halves.

The result steadies Stuttgart, the previous seasons German Cup champions, after they collected only three points across their first three outings.

Saturday brings the Bundesliga frontrunners Bayern Munich to face Hoffenheim on the road.