The Season Begins at Las Ventas: Just What You’ve Been Waiting For
4 de February de 2026
*Imágenes: Alfredo Arévalo Plaza 1
The fifth evening of the San Isidro Fair brought emotion and commitment to the Madrid arena, despite heavy rainfall. An exceptional bull from Pedraza de Yeltes set the afternoon apart, earning the rare honour of a posthumous lap of honour. Isaac Fonseca understood the bull to perfection and claimed the only ear awarded that evening. Román and Jesús Enrique Colombo also stood out and were each rewarded with a lap of honour.
Rain poured over the fifth evening of San Isidro, but could not dampen the spirit of the crowd nor the brilliance of Brigadier, the sixth bull from Pedraza de Yeltes. His bravery and excellence across all three thirds of the fight lifted the afternoon into memorable territory. Young Mexican matador Isaac Fonseca, full of freshness and bravery, was the only one to triumph, earning a well-deserved ear after an intelligent and passionate performance. The bull, noble and spirited, was rightly awarded a lap of honour in the ring.
Fonseca had little luck with his first bull, but gave it all in the sixth. Kneeling in the centre of the ring, he welcomed Brigadier with authority, then linked together fluid, deep passes with a low hand and great rhythm. He understood the bull’s rhythm and distances, particularly shining in three powerful series down the right side that electrified the crowd. A stylish ending with passes close to the ground and a firm sword thrust—albeit on the second attempt—secured him the trophy. The audience responded wholeheartedly, and the bull’s lap of honour added a dignified closing to a compelling afternoon.
Román opened the card with commitment. His first bull showed signs of weakness early on but revealed a spark when dominated. The Valencian matador connected strongly with the crowd in a right-hand series filled with intensity. Despite missing with the sword, he was rewarded with a lap of honour. His second bull lacked energy and did not offer the same possibilities.
Jesús Enrique Colombo’s most notable moments came in the second bull, where he impressed with a lively performance with the banderillas. Battling the rain, he built a determined and at times flowing faena, although without sustained brilliance. His finale—featuring tight manoletinas and a superb sword thrust—sparked applause and a modest ear petition, but only a lap of honour was granted. The fifth bull was dull and uncooperative, leaving little room for success.
A varied afternoon in Madrid: Fonseca confirmed his growing status with the crowd at Las Ventas, Román demonstrated flashes of bravery, and Colombo stood tall with flair and persistence.
Wednesday, 14 May 2025 – Fifth event of the Feria de San Isidro. Three-quarters full (17,782 spectators). Rain throughout the afternoon.
Six bulls from Pedraza de Yeltes, well-presented and of varied behaviour. The standout was the 6th, Brigadier, number 63, black, weighing 570 kg, awarded a posthumous lap of honour.
in cobalt and gold: lap of honour and silence.
in crimson and gold: lap of honour and silence.
in peacock blue and gold: silence and one ear.
Images: Alfredo Arévalo Plaza 1
