BERLIN (AFP) - German league leaders Leverkusen were held to a 1-1 draw at home to midtable Borussia Dortmund on Friday after ex-Germany defender Manuel Friedrich headed a second-half equaliser for the hosts.

With second-placed Hamburg playing Schalke 04 on Sunday, Leverkusen missed a chance to underline their status at the top when they were forced to share the points at home to their tenth-placed visitors.

Dortmund got off to the best possible start when Argentinian striker Lucio Barrios scored his third goal in his last three league matches as he headed home from a Nelson Valdez cross on eight minutes.

Leverkusen's ex-Liverpool defender Sami Hyypia's hesitation allowed Barrios to add to goals he scored against Borussia Moenchengladbach and Bochum.

Dortmund were cruising to their third consecutive league win before Leverkusen hit back in the 64th minute.

Tranquillo Barnetta crossed for Friedrich to head home off the post and past Dortmund goalkeeper Roman Weidenfeller.