Madrid: In September, the Bull Takes Centre Stage
4 de September de 2025
*Images: Alfredo Arévalo Plaza 1
The 15th of May bullfight at Las Ventas — Madrid’s patron saint day — fell short of expectations. Of the six bulls from Fraile de Valdefresno, only the second offered genuine possibilities. Paco Ureña made partial use of the opportunity, earning the sole ovation of the afternoon. Rain, wind and uncooperative bulls overshadowed the performances of David Galván and debutant Alejandro Chicharro, leaving the festivity without a true protagonist.
Las Ventas, the bullfighting capital, was packed to the brim in honour of San Isidro, but the afternoon never reached the hoped-for heights. The corrida from José Enrique Fraile de Valdefresno was as unattractive as it was uneven — bulls of grand volume but empty of spirit. It was a tame, lifeless string, lacking energy and presence.
Paco Ureña encountered the only promising animal in the second of the afternoon, Pinturero, a noble bull with rhythm and willingness. The Murcian matador built a predominantly right-handed faena, composed of fluid series but lacking the final spark. There were glimpses of harmony, with well-drawn naturales and a stylish finish low to the ground. A half-sword resulted in a mild petition for an ear, not granted. He was applauded from the tercio. His second bull gave him no chance — a cowardly creature with no intent to fight.
David Galván drew the worst lot of the day. His first was a sullen brute, lacking commitment, while the fourth was outright unwilling, fleeing the fight early. The Cádiz-born matador showed desire, but there was no material to work with.
Alejandro Chicharro confirmed his alternativa with Pandereto, a heavy bull of striking appearance but little heart. He had no real rival in front of him. With the sixth, under a bothersome downpour and gusting wind, he started with determination on the right hand but the bull quickly faded. The young toricantano tried to connect with the crowd, but from the start, the odds were against him.
In the third of banderillas, Iván García stood out with the first bull and later with Fernando Sánchez after a sharp performance with the sticks in the sixth — both were deservedly applauded.
In summary, it was a frustrating afternoon, defined more by its unrealised potential than by anything that occurred in the ring. Only Ureña came close to triumph, and only briefly. The rest faded into the grey mist of a day that deserved more emotion and glory.
Madrid – Las Ventas Bullring Thursday, 15 May 2025 Sixth event of the San Isidro Fair Sold out attendance (21,864 spectators). Mild temperatures with gusty winds and rain during the last bull.
Six bulls from José Enrique Fraile de Valdefresno, impressive in size (averaging 612 kg), with mixed physical build. Tame overall, lacking drive and aggression, with the exception of the second bull, who showed nobility and some class. The remainder were dull, sought refuge by the barriers and faded early.
(crimson and gold): half-stroke (ovation with light petition and warning); two stabs and low full sword (silence).
(indigo blue and gold): stab and descabello (silence); stab and forward sword (silence).
(champagne and gold), confirming alternativa: deep stab and half-thrust (silence after warning); perpendicular and low sword (silence).
Confirmation: Alejandro Chicharro confirmed with Pandereto, No. 29, a five-year-old black bragado meano axiblanco weighing 616 kg.Highlights from the banderilleros: Iván García, notable in the handling of the first bull, and later, alongside Fernando Sánchez, in the sixth, both saluted after solid work with the banderillas.
Images: Alfredo Arévalo Plaza 1
