Hoffenheim's Georginio Rutter (left) is challenged by Leipzig's Kevin Kampl and Jose Angel Esmoris Tasende (right) for the ball during the Bundesliga soccer match between RB Leipzig and TSG 1899 Hoffenheim at Red Bull Arena in Leipzig, Germany, April 10, 2022. (SEBASTIAN KAHNERT / DPA VIA AP)

BERLIN - Leipzig cut down the gap to Bundesliga's top three to one point after easing 3-0 past uninspired Hoffenheim at the closing of the 29th round on Sunday.

The Red Bulls grabbed a perfect start on home soil and opened the scoring just five minutes into the clash when Christopher Nkunku had all time and space to slot home from nine meters into the top right corner.

Leipzig gained momentum and doubled its advantage in the 20th minute as Marcel Halstenberg benefitted from a deflected clearance and slotted home left-footed from inside the box

Leipzig gained momentum and doubled its advantage in the 20th minute as Marcel Halstenberg benefitted from a deflected clearance and slotted home left-footed from inside the box.

Hoffenheim tried to assume control, but relentless Leipzig made it three just before the break after Mohamed Simakan intercepted a Hoffenheim attack and crossed into the path of Nkunku, whose header across the goal allowed Dominik Szoboszlai to triple the lead from very close range.

After the restart, Leipzig handed over control but for all that Hoffenheim lacked in penetration and couldn't do any damage to the host's well-positioned defense.

Leipzig lurked for counterattacks but was sloppy in the 74th minute when Szoboszlai pulled over the target from a promising position.

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As the match progressed, Hoffenheim accepted its third straight loss while Leipzig continued offensively minded and reaped its second victory in a row to put pressure on third-placed Bayer Leverkusen.

"We have staged a great performance from the starting whistle. I really like how the boys implemented our strategy," said Leipzig's coach Domenico Tedesco.

"If you are two goals down within 20 minutes you must abandon your initial game plan. We never gained a foothold into the game and haven't developed any danger. The 3-0 after the halftime destroyed all our hopes," said Hoffenheim's coach Sebastian Hoeness.

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Elsewhere, Bayer Leverkusen shared the spoils with newly promoted Bochum and dropped points in the hunt for a top-three finish while Nils Petersen's joker goal helped Freiburg to clinch a 2-1 away victory over Eintracht Frankfurt.