Carlos and Maldini lead way with brace apiece

TWO OF European football’s most famous defenders made their presence felt at the other end of the pitch with two goals apiece in Spain and Italy.

Roberto Carlos struck twice for Real Madrid as they kept the pressure on Primera Liga leaders Celta Vigo while Paolo Maldini scored two for the first time in his long career as AC Milan went to second place in Serie A.

Real’s emphatic 4-0 thrashing of Real Mallorca moved them closer to second-placed Celta Vigo, who lost their chance to return to the top of Spanish league when they could only draw 1-1 at Cadiz yesterday.