Review Madrid – 2 October 2025
3 de October de 2025
*Images: Alfredo Arévalo Plaza 1
Madrid hosted the opening novillada of the 2025 San Isidro Fair on Tuesday 13 May. With a buzz of anticipation and a line-up of debutants in the world’s most demanding bullring, it was Aarón Palacio who found the key to triumph. He earned a well-deserved trophy after a classy, well-tempered performance with the fifth novillo of the afternoon, the most refined animal of an otherwise lacklustre Alcurrucén lot. Sergio Sánchez and Javier Zulueta left empty-handed but gave glimpses of their artistic styles.
The first novillada of the San Isidro season offered a mixed bag of emotions, with Aarón Palacio standing out in his maiden appearance at Las Ventas. The Aragonese novillero drew the best bull of the Alcurrucén send-off—a fifth that responded positively and eagerly to the muleta. Palacio opened with a dramatic long cambiada at the gates, setting the tone for a faena that built in quality on the left-hand side. His series of natural passes were fluid, measured, and executed with a low hand, igniting the crowd. A well-placed sword and precise descabello sealed the deal, and the majority of the crowd called for the ear.
His first bull, less cooperative, didn’t allow for much expression, though he still showcased flashes of his vertical, stylish toreo.
Sergio Sánchez, also making his Las Ventas debut, showed commitment and willingness. His pair of novillos offered few options, and although his efforts were evident, they didn’t resonate with the audience. In his second, he tried hard to please, but the lack of emotion in the bull made it difficult to connect.
Meanwhile, Javier Zulueta left a good impression with the cape, particularly in his greeting to the third (a replacement bull from Montealto, after the original injured itself early on). With the muleta, he demonstrated elegance and artistry, but his faenas never quite took off. The young Sevillian ended the afternoon with a perfectly executed sword, one of the most applauded moments of the day.
The novillada from Alcurrucén, though well-presented, offered inconsistent behaviour. The fifth was clearly the standout. Two substitute bulls were also run: one from the same Alcurrucén brand (2nd bis) and one from Montealto (3rd bis).
Tuesday, 13 May 2025 First subscription novillada of the San Isidro Fair Attendance: Around three-quarters full seats: 19.776
Novillos from Alcurrucén, well presented but uneven in performance. The fifth stood out for its quality and movement. The 2nd and 3rd were replaced by substitutes from the same ranch and Montealto, respectively.
(lilac and gold): silence and silence
(crimson and gold): applause and one ear
(apple green and gold): silence and silence
All three novilleros were making their debut at Las Ventas. Aarón Palacio delivered the finest sequences of the evening with his natural left-handed passes to the fifth, which he greeted at the gates. Javier Zulueta was applauded for a superbly executed estocada in the sixth.
Images: Alfredo Arévalo Plaza 1
Periodista taurino
