AC Milan have qualified for the knockout stages of the Champions League thanks to 3-1 victory over Anderlecht at the Constant Vanden Stock Stadium.

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Anderlecht had the best chance of the first half when Milan Jovanic was one on one with Christian Abbiati, but the Italian international managed to keep the former Liverpool man out.

The score remained level at the break, but Stephan El Shaarawy capitalised on some slack defending to fire the visitors into the lead in the 47th minute.

The hosts were reduced to 10 men when Bram Nuytinck brought down Pato when he was the last man and given his marching orders.

© AP Photos

However, the game will be remembered for Milan's second goal - a stunning overhead kick by Philippe Mexes. The French centre-back chested the ball on the edge of the area before finding the top corner of the net.

Tom de Sutter scored with 12 minutes remaining to restore a glimmer of hope, but Alexandre Pato settled Rossoneri nerves late on.