Catania 2 : 0 Cagliari - Late show boosts Catania

Posted Sunday, May 01, 2011 by PA

Ten-man Catania eased their relegation fears with a hard-fought 2-0 victory over mid-table Cagliari.

Pablo Alvarez's sending-off in the 74th minute did not hinder Catania as they took the lead through Matias Silvestre shortly after, before Gonzalo Bergessio doubled the advantage eight minutes from time.

The win lifted Catania to 14th place, five points clear of the drop zone with three games remaining.

Cagliari, who have won just one of their last eight encounters, are four points above Catania.

The hosts went into the match on the back of a 2-2 draw at Juventus and enjoyed a strong start.

Maxi Lopez was a danger early on and twice had the chance to put Catania in front.

In the 19th minute, Bergessio's cross found Lopez inside the area and his six-yard shot went inches wide of the far post.

Shortly after, Cagliari goalkeeper Michael Agazzi pulled off a great reflex save to stop Lopez's close-range effort.

For all their efforts, Catania could have trailed before half-time as Cagliari had the chance to go in front in the 41st minute.

Radja Nainggolan fed Davide Biondini inside the area and his bullet strike went over the bar.

Cagliari dominated possession early in the second half and could have gone in front in the 53rd minute.

A fast break down the right flank saw Andrea Cossu serve Robert Acquafresca and he fired just wide from a good position.

Alvarez was then shown a straight red card for a last-man challenge on Cossu but despite that setback, Catania pressed forward and broke the deadlock in the 78th minute.

Cagliari's defence failed to clear the ball inside the six-yard box and Silvestre struck the ball past Agazzi.

The goal inspired the hosts, who doubled their lead four minutes later.

Bergessio scored after good work from substitute Matias Schelotto.

Schelotto kept the ball in play and crossed towards an unmarked Bergessio, who tapped home from close range.