Madrid Review – 19 May 2026

The second novice bullfight of the San Isidro Fair left a powerful impression at Las Ventas thanks to Julio Norte, whose name quickly became the talking point among Madrid’s crowd. The young bullfighter from Salamanca was making his debut at the famous Madrid bullring and responded with a mature, commanding and crowd-pleasing performance that earned him a Puerta Grande exit after cutting one ear from each of his novillos.

With more than twenty thousand spectators filling the stands, the Fuente Ymbro novillada offered uneven performances from the bulls and limited opportunities overall, although the sixth provided the mobility and excitement that allowed the afternoon’s eventual winner to shine.

From the very beginning, Julio Norte made it clear that he had not come to Madrid merely to make up the numbers. His first novillo required firmness and authority, and the young matador answered with a composed and well-structured faena, gradually drawing the animal into the muleta. The most impressive moments came naturally with the left hand, producing long, deep passes that quickly connected with the audience. A well-executed sword thrust and a strong petition secured his first ear of the evening.

However, it was with the sixth where the Salamanca-born novillero truly captured the afternoon. After intervening confidently in a cape exchange, he began the muleta work kneeling in the centre of the ring with dramatic passes behind the back that immediately lifted the atmosphere. The bull showed movement and transmission, and Norte took full advantage to produce the strongest moments of the novillada. His right-handed series were linked smoothly, carrying the bull low and with authority, quickly winning over the Madrid crowd.

The bull eventually shortened its charge on the left side and caught the novillero heavily during a chest pass, although fortunately without serious consequences. Far from losing confidence, Norte continued fully committed, displaying composure well beyond his years for a debutant at Las Ventas. Another effective sword thrust convinced the president to award the ear that opened the Puerta Grande.

The other major story of the afternoon belonged to Mario Vilau. The Catalan novillero, also making his debut at Las Ventas, showed personality and refined technique, especially with his first bull. Facing the second of the afternoon, he produced some beautifully tempered natural passes, guiding the animal smoothly and finishing each series with elegance. A perfectly executed kill completed a performance that earned him a deserved ear.

Vilau again showed courage and determination with the fifth, although this performance ended dramatically after he suffered a serious goring. Despite the injury to his left thigh during the faena, the young bullfighter still found the strength to return to the face of the bull and deliver another committed sword thrust before heading to the infirmary to a warm ovation from the Madrid crowd.

Pedro Luis, meanwhile, struggled to find opportunities for success with the least cooperative lot of the Fuente Ymbro entry. The Extremaduran showed determination and professionalism, but both of his performances were met with silence from the stands, particularly after a lengthy second faena affected by warning calls.

The novillada confirmed Julio Norte as one of the emerging names of the season while also leaving the image of a brave and committed Mario Vilau despite the harsh outcome of the afternoon. Madrid has certainly taken notice of both young bullfighters.

Mario Vilau medical report

Goring wound caused by a bull’s horn to the front upper third of the left thigh, with an upward trajectory measuring 15 centimetres, producing damage to the sartorius muscle and bruising to the femoral artery.

The novillero underwent surgery under general anaesthetic in the bullring infirmary before being transferred to the Fraternidad Muprespa-Habana Clinic. The injury was classified as serious and prevented him from continuing the bullfight.

Signed: Dr Máximo García Padrós and Dr Máximo García Leirado.