The Brazilian playmaker netted what proved to be the winner in the 58th minute as Milan overcame Daniele Bonera's sending-off three minutes after re-start for a second bookable offense.

The win placed Milan on top of Group H with seven points while Anderlecht remain third on two points.

Milan's striking crisis in recent matches continued as they failed to convert in the first-half despite having Filippo Inzaghi and Ricardo Oliveira upfront.

The only real chance in the opening 45 minutes came when Clarence Seedorf fed the unmarked Inzaghi inside the area but despite his diving effort the ball eluded him with a few inches.

Kaka scored Milan’s goal in the 58th minute when he blasted a 25-yard drive into the top corner of the net after being set-up by Seedorf.

Bonera's red card proved to be a turning point in the game as Anderlecht mounted pressure on the visitors to level the score.

Egyptian international Ahmed Hassan replaced Yves Vanderhaeghe in the 70th minute and his energetic display bothered Milan keeper Dida.

Five minutes from time, Hassan hit a low shot which was saved by Dida before the former Besiktas man flicked a free-kick to Roland Juhasz, whose header struck the bar.

In the other group game, French side Lille grabbed a 3-1 home victory over AEK Athens.

Vladimir Ivic's goal for AEK in the 68th minute cancelled out Matthieu Robail's opener four minutes past the hour mark.

Two strikes by Daniel Gygax and Jean Makoun in the last 10 minutes sealed the victory for Lille.

The victory moved Lille to second place in Group H with five points while AEK are fourth with just one point.