Friedrich rescues Bayer

Bayer Leverkusen striker Stefan Kiessling (L) congratulates teammate Manuel Friedrich on his equalising goal against Borussia Dortmund during their Bundesliga clash in Leverkusen on Friday.Photo: AFP

German league leaders Lever-kusen were held to a 1-1 draw at home to midtable Borussia Dortmund on Friday with ex-Germany defender Manuel Friedrich heading 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 of the table when they were forced to share the points at home to their tenth-placed visitors.
"We put Dortmund under pressure in the second-half, but we didn't play well," admitted Leverkusen coach Jupp Heynckes.
"However, I am not dissatisfied with the 1-1 draw, because Dortmund played with plenty of spirit and they are on an upswing. Dortmund deserved to take a point home with them."
The visitors 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 across the face of goal and past Dortmund goalkeeper Roman Weidenfeller.
"We gave a good account of ourselves," said Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp.
"But I'm not happy that we didn't continue as we had started. We are improving in the league and a draw against the league leaders is not bad."