Kaka scored a wonderful long-range goal as 10-man AC Milan escaped with a narrow 1-0 victory over Anderlecht in Brussels in their Champions League Group H encounter.

The Rossoneri's Brazilian playmaker fired home a 30-yard bullet just before the hour mark after team-mate Daniele Bonera had been sent off for his second booking of the game just after half-time.

Kaka's moment of brilliance, and a fortunate late escape thanks to the woodwork, saved the Italians who now lead Champions League Group H by two points from Lille.

Anderlecht played a defensive 4-3-2-1 formation in search of their first triumph in the competition this season, while Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti left out struggling Alberto Gilardino, instead opting for Ricardo Oliveira alongside Filippo Inzaghi up front.

Marek Jankulovski was first to test Anderlecht goalkeeper Daniel Zitka, but his shot was easily saved.

With 13 minutes on the clock, Kaka's clever assist found Inzaghi inside the area but he fired his effort high over the crossbar.

At the other end, Bart Goor's left-footed shot from distance was never in danger of testing keeper Dida.

The Italians started to show more guile and determination as the first-half wore on, and they should have broken the deadlock in the 21st minute but Inzaghi was unable to latch onto Kaka's cross from the right.

Inzaghi had two further opportunities to open the scoring before half-time, but he failed to connect properly with either of them.

The Rossoneri picked up where they left off after the restart but their progress soon hit a blip.

Bonera kicked the ball away at a free-kick and referee Luis Medina showed no mercy, with the Italian defender given his marching orders for a second bookable offence.

But his departure did not hinder the visitors, who took the lead shortly after.

Clarence Seedorf laid the ball off for Kaka, who smashed the ball home to give the away side the lead.

The goal inspired Ancelotti's men, who would have doubled their advantage on the hour mark had it not been for Zitka's instinctive save from Cafu's powerful right-footed effort.

Substitute Gilardino should have killed the game off in the 73rd minute but his close-range header from Seedorf's cross went agonisingly wide.

That mistake would have proved costly for Milan had Dida not saved them at the other end.

Anderlecht went on a counter-attack, and when Mohamed Tchite was left with just the keeper to beat, he could only watch in amazement as his close-range strike was superbly kept out.

But minutes later the Brazilian failed in his attempt to hold onto Ahmed Hassan's free-kick, forcing Kakha Kaladze to make a vital clearance inside the box.

And Milan were made to sweat further when Roland Juhasz's effort was denied by the post with just two minutes left to play.

PA SPORT