Madrid Review – 13 May 2026

The fifth subscription corrida of the San Isidro Fair at Las Ventas proved to be one of those uphill afternoons where the determination of the matadors ultimately collided with the lack of quality from the bulls. The much-anticipated return of Partido de Resina failed to meet expectations, with the encierro fading into tameness, reluctance and a complete absence of excitement.

Amid a long and uninspiring contest with little artistic substance, Antonio Ferrera emerged as the only matador capable of connecting at times with the Madrid crowd, thanks to his determination and his ability to extract the few positive qualities from the most manageable bull of the afternoon.

The Extremaduran matador quickly understood the limitations of his second bull, an animal that, despite lacking fighting spirit and transmission, at least offered a handful of more genuine charges than the rest of the encierro. Ferrera built his faena patiently, relying on composure and precise timing to sustain each charge. The performance gradually improved, particularly with the left hand, where he produced several naturally executed passes full of shape and depth.

With little opportunity for fluid combinations, the matador based his work on intelligence and experience. Every pass had to be carefully provoked and meticulously shaped against a bull demanding distance and authority. After a well-placed sword thrust, the crowd acknowledged his effort with an ovation following a warning.

His first bull offered even fewer possibilities. Lacking strength, spirit and any real willingness to engage, the animal never allowed the faena to develop. Ferrera again showed commitment, but the performance remained inevitably limited by the bull’s apathy, and silence followed.

Neither Calita nor Jesús Enrique Colombo found any real opportunities for success. The Mexican matador showed willingness throughout the afternoon, although his lot provided virtually no chance to shine. His first repeatedly complained during the muleta work, while the fourth defended itself without surrender or rhythm.

Colombo once again displayed commitment and energy, especially during the banderillas, yet he too failed to lift the grey tone of the afternoon. The Venezuelan faced two reserved and uninspired bulls that made it impossible to create a faena capable of making a greater impact on the demanding Las Ventas crowd.

The Partido de Resina corrida, highly anticipated by fans of the more traditional and serious fighting bull, ultimately left a widespread feeling of disappointment. The encierro lacked caste, mobility and emotion throughout, forcing the three matadors to rely entirely on persistence and professionalism.

With more than three-quarters of the seats filled at Las Ventas, the fifth San Isidro fixture faded away between effort, determination and very limited chances of triumph.