Juan Leal Stands Tall and Earns a Lap of Honour on Easter Sunday at Las Ventas

*Images: Alfredo Arévalo Plaza 1

The traditional Easter Sunday bullfight at Madrid’s Las Ventas was defined by the serious and spirited bulls from the Portuguese breeder Palha—demanding and difficult to showcase. In this high-stakes setting, it was Juan Leal who rose above, thanks to his wholehearted commitment, deep connection with the crowd, and daring approach to bullfighting. Though the authorities withheld the ear after his second performance, the audience awarded him with a rousing lap of honour. Meanwhile, Rafaelillo and Francisco de Manuel were met with silence after understated and forgettable outings.

French matador Juan Leal broke through the monotony of a testing afternoon in the world’s most prestigious bullring. He drew a tough and complicated pair from the Palha herd but never backed down. With his first, a bull with uncertain yet mobile charges, Leal handled the capework with intelligence. With the muleta, he showed sensitivity and control, drawing out polished naturales. He was applauded after a rearward, slightly off-centre sword thrust that merited a salute.

But it was with the fifth bull that Leal truly lit up the arena. He welcomed the bull with a portagayola, only to be violently tossed after a long run that ended against the boards. Without checking his attire, he returned to the fray with courage. The Palha bull, temperamental and reluctant, was tested in three trips to the horse. Leal based his faena on proximity and bravery, extracting valuable passes from the reluctant animal. Again, he was thrown during the kill—this time violently by the shoulder—but recovered quickly to deliver a superb, instantly effective estocada. The crowd vocally demanded the ear, but the president refused. A visibly disappointed Leal still received a triumphant and emotional lap of honour.

Rafaelillo faced a first bull with some class but little commitment, and managed a few well-shaped passes on the right. His second, lacking spirit and options, forced him to shorten his faena. He left to silence on both occasions.

Francisco de Manuel’s lot gave him little chance to shine—a third bull that lacked transmission and faded fast, and a sixth that was dangerous and defensive throughout. The young madrileño was unable to find rhythm or connection in either performance.

Overall, the afternoon was a challenging one for the bullfighters. Palha brought excitement with the seriousness and latent danger of its bulls, though there was little opportunity for artistic flourishes. The ever-demanding Madrid crowd, however, recognised the bravery and effort of those who gave everything in the ring.