Costa strikes late as Atletico sink Milan

The Brazil-born hitman thumped a sensational far post header beyond Christian Abbiati seven minutes from time after Ignazio Abate had inadvertently flicked a corner into his path.It was the Atletico star's 27th goal of the season and saw him come out on top in a face off with Milan's enigmatic forward, Mario Balotelli, whose lively performance was prematurely ended by a shoulder injury in the second half.The defeat was hard on Rossoneri coach Clarence Seedorf, who twice saw his team hit the woodwork in the first half of what was his Champions League bow as a manager.The hosts had the better of the chances and could have gone ahead on 15 minutes when Kaka's left-foot drive deflected onto the crossbar, with Thibaut Courtois beaten.The on-loan Chelsea stopper then made a sensational fingertip save to deny Andrea Poli's downward header and Kaka and Essien had good efforts either side of half-time.At the other end Costa crashed an acrobatic attempt over the top and Raul Garcia saw two efforts beaten away as the visitors ended strongly and it looked all set to end in stalemate until Abate's error gifted Costa the opening and the striker made no mistake with a bullet header.(uk.eurosport.yahoo.com)ANN.Az