Madrid: In September, the Bull Takes Centre Stage
4 de September de 2025
*Images: Alfredo Arévalo Plaza 1
On the seventh afternoon of the San Isidro Fair, Las Ventas witnessed a bullfight marked by late replacements in the corrals and a variety of livestock brands. Fernando Adrián won over the crowd with an electric faena to the fifth bull of the evening, an extraordinary specimen from Victoriano del Río that stirred real excitement in the stands. However, failure with the sword denied the Madrid-born matador the Puerta Grande, though he was awarded a well-earned lap of honour. Manzanares and Aguado passed through the afternoon with more discretion than distinction.
Madrid, 16 May 2025 – The seventh bullfight of the San Isidro Fair drew a sell-out crowd to Las Ventas and promised a captivating contest. Ultimately, only one of the three matadors managed to rise above the ordinary. That was Fernando Adrián, who gave it his all in a heartfelt, authentic display against a top-class bull named Frenoso from Victoriano del Río. He tamed the animal with series full of rhythm, connection and depth, particularly down the right-hand side.
The fifth bull was outstanding—brave, eager, and focused. From the first pass, Adrián showed determination and composure. He began kneeling with the muleta and went on to craft a faena that grew in intensity, climaxing in powerful series with the right hand, executed with great command and poise. He also shone on the left side with long, flowing naturales. With the crowd on its feet, Adrián closed with a series of tight bernadinas, an artistic flourish to finish. But the sword was not on his side. After several failed attempts, the expected ear slipped away, and the fans settled for an emotional lap of honour that acknowledged a strong performance.
Earlier, Adrián had no chance to shine with his first bull, which lacked class and energy.
José María Manzanares offered his best moments with the first bull from Puerto de San Lorenzo, displaying elegant right-handed passes full of rhythm and calm. His second, from La Ventana del Puerto, did not cooperate, and despite a technically sound sword thrust, the overall faena did not rise.
Pablo Aguado found a hint of opportunity with the third bull, also from Victoriano del Río, crafting a beautiful series of naturales and some moments of finesse. Still, the animal lacked the spark for the faena to truly take off. The sixth was heavy and sluggish, leaving no room for brilliance. In between, Aguado was treated in the infirmary for a cut on his right hand, but returned to complete the bout.
The evening began with a minute of silence in memory of Joselito El Gallo, marking 105 years since his death. Among the subalterns, Marcos Prieto stood out for his performance in the second bull’s third.
A day that left a single name resonating in Madrid’s temple of bullfighting: Fernando Adrián, once again showing he belongs at Las Ventas—even if the sword had other plans.
Venue: Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas, Madrid Date: Friday, 16 May 2025 Occasion: Seventh bullfight of the San Isidro Fair Attendance: Sell-out crowd ("No hay billetes", 22,964 spectators) Weather: Pleasant afternoon, no wind
Puerto de San Lorenzo (1st & 2nd): well presented; the first was noble with moderate spirit; the second lacked commitment.La Ventana del Puerto (4th & 6th): the fourth had class but little strength; the sixth was bulky and exhausted.Victoriano del Río (3rd & 5th): strong appearance and serious build; the third was willing but lacked power; the fifth was a remarkable specimen—brave, classy and thrilling.
in navy blue and gold: Front thrust (silence); front thrust (silence).
in light blue and silver: Two jabs and back thrust (silence); pinchazo, deep jab and three descabellos (vuelta al ruedo after warning).
in black and gold: Five jabs and two descabellos (silence after warning); deep jab and descabello (silence).
Images: Alfredo Arévalo Plaza 1
