Review Madrid – 2 October 2025
3 de October de 2025
*Imágenes: Alfredo Arévalo Plaza 1
Las Ventas dressed up for the traditional Goyesca on 2nd May, marking the first major bullfight of the Community of Madrid Fair. Álvaro Lorenzo, stepping in for Rafael de Julia, offered the most complete performance of the afternoon, taking an ear and giving a lap of honour that came close to opening the Puerta Grande. Francisco José Espada gave his all and was injured during the execution of the sword, while Diego García confirmed his alternativa with courage and composure, though without trophies.
It was Álvaro Lorenzo who shone the brightest in the Goyesca celebrated this Friday at Las Ventas. Facing a noble bull from Luis Algarra, the Toledo-born matador displayed both authority and finesse in a rising performance. His series with the right hand grew in intensity, connecting with the crowd and culminating in a thrilling finish by way of tight bernadinas. A well-placed sword earned him a well-deserved ear.
With the fifth of the afternoon, from Baltasar Ibán, Lorenzo again showed his maturity. The bull started rough and uncertain, but Lorenzo’s calmness and technique gradually shaped the animal into a more compliant opponent. A solid final section, including to-the-limit exchanges, built momentum in the stands. However, a rear and slightly off-centre sword prevented him from collecting a second ear despite strong public demand. He was instead rewarded with a lap of honour.
Francisco José Espada’s return to Madrid was marked by grit and misfortune. With his first bull, he fought with determination, crafting a brave and focused faena. However, the sword moment turned against him, causing a cut to his chin which required medical attention. He returned bandaged and eager to face the fourth, but the bull lacked depth and did not allow for a meaningful fight. Despite his effort, there was little room for triumph.
Diego García had a respectable confirmation of his alternativa. His first opponent, a heavy and fierce Baltasar Ibán, came in strong but quickly faded, seeking refuge by the boards. García was tidy and willing but had no real chance. With the sixth, from Algarra, the bull showed more class and García responded with elegance in the capote. His faena showed intent and flashes of quality, though the sword again failed him.
Friday, 2nd May 2025 – Goyesca Bullfight – Community of Madrid Fair Attendance: 17,131 spectators.
Baltasar Ibán (1st fierce but faded, 2nd demanding and unyielding, 5th complex and tough) and Luis Algarra (3rd with joyful charge, 4th had transmission but lacked depth, 6th serious and harmonious with good quality).
(white and black): silence after warning and silence after warning.
(cream and gold), replacing Rafael de Julia: ear after warning and lap of honour after strong petition and warning.
(white and black), confirmed his alternativa: silence and applause.
Espada was wounded in the chin by the first of his lot and was treated in the infirmary. Espada's toast to Isabel Díaz Ayuso, who was present in the arena together with several councillors of the Community of Madrid.
Images: Alfredo Arévalo Plaza 1
Periodista taurino
