Bundesliga's relegation-threatened Nuremberg ended Leverkusen's undefeated run this season with a 3-2 victory on Sunday.
Nuremberg took a 3-0 lead early in the second half before Leverkusen fought back with two goals within seven minutes.
It was not enough as Leverkusen remained on 50 points from 25 rounds for third place, three points behind leader Bayern Munich.
Eric Maxim Coupo-Moting scored in the 42nd and 45th minutes to give Nuremberg a 2-0 lead at the break, before Mikael Tavares added the third in the 55th as Nuremberg temporarily climbed out of the relegation zone.
Stefan Kiessling pulled a goal back for Leverkusen in the 66th minute and Patrick Helmes made it 3-2 seven minutes later with his first goal of the season.