football

Bale making name as Europe’s most exciting player

PARIS — A shade over two months ago, in a packed auditorium in Monaco, Sisenando Maicon Douglas — known simply as Maicon by the opponents who fear him — beamed with pride as he was presented with a ball-shaped silver trophy for being the best defender in European club football for 2010.

football

MORE FROM Football

football

Soldado making his mark for Valencia

VALENCIA, Spain - Striker Roberto Soldado again showed why Valencia signed him as David Villa’s replacement with a double in a 3-0 win over Rangers on Tuesday that boosted the Spanish side’s hopes of a Champions League last 16 place.

football