Review Madrid – 4 June 2026
4 de June de 2026
*Imágenes: Alfredo Arévalo Plaza 1
The Extremaduran matador claimed the afternoon’s only ear at San Isidro, while Ismael Martín and Samuel Navalón produced determined performances against a short-winded and uneven bull run.
The San Isidro Fair continued on Wednesday with a corrida defined by the determination of the three bullfighters and by a challenging bull run that required constant effort to maintain the crowd’s interest. Facing an uneven set of bulls from Montalvo, together with replacement bulls from Casa de los Toreros and Fermín Bohórquez, José Garrido emerged with the most significant result, claiming the only ear of the afternoon at Madrid’s Las Ventas bullring.
The Extremaduran matador displayed determination and flair with the cape from the outset. His opening cape work and quites carried authority and style, rounded off with elegant half-verónicas that caught the attention of the crowd. His finest moment came against the first replacement bull from Casa de los Toreros, an animal that showed quality in its charge, particularly through the left side.
Garrido made full use of the bull’s qualities to build a performance based on composure, rhythm and expression. His most impressive passages came with the natural, where he linked together clean, deep series while guiding the bull smoothly and with excellent line. He also produced several notable right-handed muletazos, creating a mature and well-structured faena.
A well-executed sword thrust brought strong calls for a trophy, which were granted by the president, allowing Garrido to take a valuable ear. With the fourth bull, he once again demonstrated the quality of his bullfighting. Beginning the faena on his knees, he quickly connected with the audience, although the bull soon lost momentum and the performance gradually faded before being acknowledged with applause
If one name embodied total commitment throughout the afternoon, it was Ismael Martín. The Salamanca-born bullfighter once again showed his personality and ambition, attacking the challenge from the very beginning. His first bull offered limited possibilities, but Martín extracted everything he could through determination and courage, earning a warm ovation.
His most notable performance came with the fifth bull, which was replaced by a reserve from Fermín Bohórquez after the original animal was returned. Even before the muleta work began, Martín made his intentions clear by greeting the bull at the gate of the pens. Earlier in the afternoon, he had also suffered a heavy toss during the cape work with the original fifth bull, fortunately escaping injury.
Martín also excelled in the banderillas, particularly with a spectacular pair placed from a head-on charge that brought the crowd to its feet. He began the muleta work on his knees and maintained an all-out commitment throughout the faena. Producing worthwhile series on both sides, he created several emotional moments that connected strongly with the spectators. A sequence of tightly executed bernadinas provided a dramatic finish to a performance of considerable merit, rewarded with a lap of honour after the sword.
Samuel Navalón also found opportunities to make his mark on a difficult afternoon. The Valencian bullfighter remained composed and committed throughout his appearance, never backing away from the challenges posed by his bulls.
His first bull lacked the transmission needed to allow the faena to fully develop, limiting the possibilities available to him. However, it was with the sixth bull that Navalón delivered the highlights of his afternoon.
Against the final bull, he produced a performance that grew steadily in importance, combining courage with increasing confidence. As the faena progressed, he found greater harmony with the animal and produced several deep, stylish muletazos that were well received by the Madrid crowd. The sword prevented him from achieving a greater reward, but he was warmly applauded in recognition of both his attitude and his bullfighting concept.
The twenty-third event of the San Isidro Fair once again highlighted the demanding nature of Las Ventas. The corrida offered few opportunities for easy success, forcing all three matadors to provide almost all the excitement themselves. In that context, Garrido secured the tangible reward of an ear thanks to a performance marked by maturity and professionalism, while Ismael Martín and Samuel Navalón left Madrid with strong arguments in favour of future opportunities.
Las Ventas Bullring (Madrid) Wednesday, 3 June 2026 23rd event of the San Isidro Fair Attendance: 16,811 spectators.
Montalvo, with replacement bulls from Casa de los Toreros (1st reserve) and Fermín Bohórquez (5th reserve). An uneven corrida that generally lacked stamina and offered limited opportunities for major triumphs.
(sand and gold): One ear and ovation after one warning.
(red and gold): Ovation after one warning and lap of honour after one warning.
(white and gold): Ovation after one warning and ovation after two warnings.
Images: Alfredo Arévalo Plaza 1
