Swiss forward Tranquillo Barnetta opened the scoring 12 minutes after the restart with a low shot from the edge of the area.

German striker Stefan Kiessling doubled Leverkusen's advantage in the 65th minute with a deft header.

Leaders Leverkusen have 24 points from 11, two points ahead of surprise package Hoffenhe, who could overtake them at the top if they beat Karlsruhe on Sunday.