Bayer Leverkusen kept their slim hopes of Champions League qualification from the Frauen Bundesliga alive with a 2-1 win over SGS Essen on Friday. First half goals from Milena Nikolic and Mina Tanaka put Achim Feifel's side in control and despite a second half rally from Essen, who pulled a goal back through Carlotta Wamser, Leverkusen held on to pick up maximum points. They now have 32 from 19 games, level with Potsdam in fifth place and five behind third-placed Hoffenheim, with three games left in the campaign.