Spain's Gain

It was a fruitful weekend for the country by the Mediterranean Sea. While Fernando Alonso drove his scarlet Ferrari home for a flawless 25 points, Rafa trumped a lesser known Swiss to capture the Madrid Open. At the Catalunya circuit in Barcelona, the home fans were treated to a delightful display by their favorite driver who ended a seven year wait to win his second Spanish grand prix. Kimi managed to cut Vettel's lead at the top to four points but had to settle with second place for a third consecutive race. The Pirelli tyres seem to be becoming the dominant force this season with most drivers not being able to bare their speed fangs for wheel conservation. The Mercedes team locked out the front row in qualifying but were nowhere to be seen after the first round of pit stops. That Nico Rosberg could only manage a sixth position after starting from pole suggests that pit stops and not qualifying are the biggest strategy focus this season. Also that Alonso won starting from below three which no one has done before at this track signals a shift in focus to tactical Sunday racing from furious Saturday qualifying. We will have the street race at Monaco next and the Red Bulls would be itching to get the Spanish disappointment behind them in the city of casinos.

 After being on the receiving end at the Monte Carlo masters, the king of clay bounced back with this usual ferocity in Madrid. That Novak and Roger were knocked out surprisingly in the earlier stages of the tournament helped Nadal make mincemeat of the other challengers that came his way. There was never a doubt about who the overwhelming favorite was when Stan Wawrinka faced up against him in the final. The Swiss has a mean back hand but it misfires more often than it forces winners. This win shall certainly boost Nadal's hopes for continuing his reign on the red clay in Paris in a fortnight's time. He may be seeded fifth but there is never a doubt about his ability to demolish the very best when it comes to Roland Garros. The Stangun has never defeated Rafa in nine meetings now and that record will not be weakened some time soon.

While Wigan landed the FA cup defeating Manchester City by a solitary goal, the week belonged to one Alex Ferguson. The Scot hanged up his boots after a managerial career that is stuff of legend. He said good bye to Old Trafford with a win over Swansea and a goal by Rio Ferdinand. With the premier league title already in the bag and David Moyes charged to take over reigns in July, the United coach watched over his team for an incrdible 405th premier league fixture. When Ferguson oversees his last game at West Brom next Sunday, it would bring down the curtains on a special era not just for the red devils, but for all football. Take a bow Sir Alex.