RB Leipzig defeated TSG Hoffenheim 5-0 (4-0) in a key Champions League qualification match. Brajan Gruda and Christoph Baumgartner each scored twice for the hosts. Leipzig temporarily climbed to third in the Bundesliga table.
RB Leipzig took a major step in the tight race for Champions League spots by beating TSG Hoffenheim 5-0 (4-0) on matchday 27 of the Bundesliga. The game took place in the Red Bull Arena with 40,980 spectators. Brajan Gruda scored in the 17th and 44th minutes, Christoph Baumgartner in the 21st and 30th. A goal by Yan Diomande in first-half stoppage time was disallowed for offside following a video review. Benjamin Henrichs added the fifth in the 78th minute—his first after a long injury layoff. Under coach Ole Werner, Leipzig reached 50 points with a superior goal difference, temporarily tying Hoffenheim and VfB Stuttgart at third place. Hoffenheim dropped to fifth and suffered their heaviest defeat of the season. »The first half was already very, very good. After the 1-0, we played a great game«, Baumgartner told Sky. TSG midfielder Grischa Prömel admitted: »We didn't defend compactly, didn't bring the basics to the pitch that have distinguished us this season.« Hoffenheim coach Christian Ilzer's side extended a poor run; their last win in Leipzig was on matchday 31 of 2017/18 (5-2).
