Review Madrid – 23 March 2025

This Sunday, Las Ventas hosted the first bullfight of the season in front of an eager crowd. The lineup featured Rafael de Julia, Damián Castaño, and Adrián de Torres, who faced bulls from the renowned Adolfo Martín ranch. Despite the anticipation, the bulls largely failed to live up to the expectations associated with the prestigious livestock brand.

The highlight of the afternoon came with the second bull, a fierce and brave specimen that allowed Damián Castaño to craft the most emotional moments of the day. The Salamanca matador appeared confident and fully engaged, particularly when working the bull on the left hand. His natural passes were long and profound, deeply resonating with the audience. His performance also shone on the right side, where he showcased relaxed, well-drawn passes with remarkable fluidity. However, his sword failed to do justice to his effort, and despite missing out on a trophy, the ovation he received was one to remember.

But the evening took a tragic turn. Facing the fifth bull, Castaño displayed the same dedication and sincerity as before, but an accident struck. A brutal goring to his left thigh forced him to cut his performance short and seek urgent medical attention. The injury, affecting both the femoral artery and ischium, was severe, and the matador was rushed to La Fraternidad clinic for surgery. The dramatic nature of this incident overshadowed what had otherwise been a standout performance.

Adrián de Torres, for his part, showed immense bravery and determination but struggled with a lot that gave him no chance to shine. Despite his efforts, the bulls did not respond, and his two performances ended in silence after receiving warnings. Meanwhile, Rafael de Julia endured a disappointing afternoon. Unable to connect with his bulls, his lack of rhythm led to boos from the audience, marking an unfortunate start to his season.