AC Milan moved seven points clear at the top of Serie A thanks to a spirited 2-0 win over Catania.
Milan giants survive Van Bommel red card to win
AC Milan moved seven points clear at the top of Serie A thanks to a spirited 2-0 win over Catania.
Goals from Robinho in the 58th minute and Zlatan Ibrahimovic five minutes from time were enough to fend off a spirited home side.
The Rossoneri were forced to play most of the second period with ten men after January signing Mark van Bommel was sent off.
Catania spent much of the second 45 minutes in the Milan half, yet long spells of pressure were in vain as the leaders held on to consolidate their position at the top of Serie A.
Robinho almost fired Milan ahead after just 26 seconds but his curled effort from the edge of the penalty area was saved by Catania goalkeeper Mariano Andujar.
The second half started badly for Milan with Van Bommel given his marching orders for a second yellow card in only his second game for the club.
Yet Milan still went ahead just four minutes after going down to ten men when Ibrahimovic's powerful free-kick was only parried for Robinho to convert from close range.
An exhausted Ibrahimovic was still able deliver the sucker punch with five minutes to go, stealing in to meet Robinho's low cross ahead of his marker and make no mistake from close range.
