Leipzig hammer Hoffenheim 5-0 to make a statement in top four fight

Brajan Gruda had a brace and an assist and Christoph Baumgartner also netted twice as ruthless RB Leipzig claimed a 5-0 Bundesliga statement victory over Hoffenheim in the fight for a top four finish on Friday.

Gruda opened the scoring in the 17th after Hoffenheim goalkeeper Oliver Baumann saved a first effort from Romulo and Baumgartner headed the second four minutes later.

Baumgartner struck a second time when he controlled a cross from Gruda with his chest after half an hour and it was then Gruda's turn again in the 44th to convert Yan Diomande's cross at the far post for 4-0.

Benjamin Henrichs wrapped up matters in the 78th into the near corner, two minutes after the German international came on, to condemn Hoffenheim to their biggest season defeat.

"It was a very important game. We knew what was at stake after our defeat in Stuttgart. We enjoyed the win and the points. It is about points at this stage," Baumgartner told Sky TV.

Hoffenheim's Grischa Prömel said: "We know we lost it in the first half. Leipzig did a good job while we didn't defend well and didn't bring the basics onto the pitch. We are very disappointed."

Leipzig moved into third place, ahead of VfB Stuttgart and Hoffenheim on goal difference. Stuttgart are at Augsburg on Sunday while Bayer Leverkusen can move within two points of the trio with victory at bottom club Heidenheim on Saturday.

The top four qualify for the next Champions League.

Runaway leaders Bayern Munich host Union Berlin and second-placed Borussia Dortmund face SV Hamburg on Saturday.