Madrid review – 10 October 2026

A serious goring marks Álvaro Serrano’s solo appearance in Madrid

Álvaro Serrano’s solo appearance at the Las Ventas bullring ended in the most bitter circumstances. The young Madrid novillero was seriously injured while working with the muleta against the third novillo of the afternoon. The incident forced him to withdraw from the contest and brought an abrupt end to a personal challenge that demonstrated his commitment to the Las Ventas crowd.

Until that moment, Serrano had shown considerable determination and dedication, particularly during his performance against the first novillo, when there was a strong demand from the crowd for an ear to be awarded. He ultimately acknowledged the applause from the ring after delivering a performance that connected with the spectators.

Following the goring, responsibility for completing the bullfight fell to the two designated substitutes. Aitor Fernández received an ovation after his performance against the fourth novillo, while Héctor Roberto was met with silence after both of his appearances.

A determined opening performance wins over the Madrid crowd

Álvaro Serrano received a warm ovation as the participants completed the opening parade. From the outset, he made clear his determination to seize the opportunity, displaying variety with the cape against the three novillos he managed to face.

His finest performance before the accident came against the first novillo of the afternoon, from the Domingo Hernández ranch, which showed promising qualities, particularly when charging on the right-hand side.

The Madrid-born novillero quickly established a connection with the animal’s charge and built a series of linked muletazos, keeping the muleta at the right height and finishing his sequences with well-executed chest passes. On the left, the animal’s characteristics required a more measured approach, with individual natural passes rather than sustained sequences.

Although his sword thrust landed at an awkward angle and was not cleanly placed, it prompted a strong demand from the crowd for a trophy. Serrano ultimately had to settle for acknowledging the applause from the ring.

The second novillo, from the Fuente Ymbro ranch, presented greater difficulties. Serrano responded with firmness and determination, attempting to overcome an animal that offered fewer opportunities than his first opponent.

The third novillo causes a serious accident

The afternoon’s most dramatic moment came during the lidia of the third novillo, from Conde de Mayalde. Serrano performed an eye-catching quite with the cape, using faroles, before beginning his muleta work with doblones, seeking an immediate connection with the crowd.

The animal proved difficult and demanded both firmness and technical control. Serrano responded resolutely, showing courage and determination as he attempted to master its charges.

However, as he finished a series with a chest pass, the novillo caught him around the right knee area, inflicting a serious goring wound to the inner part of his thigh.

The young novillero was immediately taken to the bullring’s infirmary, where he underwent surgery under general anaesthetic. The severity of the injury prevented him from continuing and forced the remaining proceedings to be reorganised.

Medical report confirms a serious goring injury

The bullring’s medical team, led by Dr Máximo García Padrós, issued a report confirming the seriousness of Álvaro Serrano’s injury.

The report describes a bull-horn wound to the lower third of the inner right thigh, with an upward trajectory measuring 20 centimetres. The injury caused bruising to the femoral artery and extensive damage to the adductor and hamstring muscles.

Following surgery in the Las Ventas infirmary, the novillero was transferred to Fraternidad-Muprespa Hospital for further medical treatment.

The injury was classified as serious, and it prevented him from continuing the bullfight.

Aitor Fernández earns an ovation for a creditable performance

With Álvaro Serrano in the infirmary, the two substitutes took over the remaining proceedings. Aitor Fernández faced the fourth novillo, from the Luis González Conde ranch. Although the animal had some positive qualities, it was not an easy opponent.

Fernández produced some noteworthy natural passes, attempting to develop his performance despite the atmosphere of concern following the earlier accident. His work deserved credit, both for the animal’s characteristics and for the difficulty of engaging a crowd whose attention remained focused on the injured novillero.

He concluded his performance with an effective sword thrust on the second attempt and received an ovation.

Against the sixth novillo, Aitor Fernández found few opportunities to round off his afternoon and finished in silence after needing the descabello, a short sword used to deliver the final blow.

Héctor Roberto, the first designated substitute, was responsible for dispatching the third and fifth novillos. Neither performance made a sufficient impression on the crowd, and both ended in silence.

The afternoon at Las Ventas was therefore overshadowed by Álvaro Serrano’s serious injury. His solo appearance was cut short as he attempted to overcome the third novillo. The determination he had shown earlier, together with the significant ovation he received after his first performance, was eclipsed by an accident that brought his personal challenge to an end and shifted attention entirely to his medical condition.

Medical report: Álvaro Serrano

Bull-horn wound to the inner right thigh, with an upward trajectory measuring 20 cm, bruising to the femoral artery and extensive damage to the adductor and hamstring muscles. He underwent surgery in the bullring’s infirmary before being transferred to Fraternidad-Muprespa Hospital. Prognosis: Serious.