Review Madrid – 28 May 2026

Wednesday’s Press Corrida at Las Ventas produced one of the most complete and artistic performances of the 2026 San Isidro Fair. Diego Urdiales delivered an afternoon full of purity, elegance and traditional bullfighting, earning a Puerta Grande triumph after cutting one ear from each of his Juan Pedro Domecq bulls.

With another sold-out crowd at Madrid’s famous bullring and King Felipe VI attending from ringside, the matador from La Rioja became the standout figure of the afternoon thanks to a performance marked by composure, natural style and deep understanding of the bulls.

From the very beginning, Urdiales showed inspiration with the cape. He welcomed his first bull with smooth and stylish verónicas before building a faena based on rhythm and fluent linkages between passes. Several right-handed series stood out for their depth and cleanliness. A perfectly executed sword thrust secured the first ear.

His finest work, however, came with the fourth bull. Urdiales again demonstrated remarkable quality from the opening cape work, including an elegant verónica-based quite. With the muleta, he produced a faena filled with classical bullfighting against a bull that offered quality and movement.

The Rioja matador fought at a slow pace, perfectly controlling the animal’s charge and keeping it closely connected to the muleta throughout the performance. There were important series on both sides, especially naturally executed passes that deeply connected with the Madrid crowd. Another effective kill earned him a second ear and the prestigious Puerta Grande exit at Las Ventas.

Andrés Roca Rey also produced important moments, particularly with the fifth bull, another animal from Juan Pedro Domecq that offered possibilities. The Peruvian matador began his faena on his knees with dramatic passes behind the back that immediately lifted the atmosphere inside the arena.

From there, he built a performance based on authority and determination, taking advantage of the bull’s nobility through long, low-handed series that strongly connected with the spectators. The final section of the faena carried particular intensity and strengthened the crowd’s call for a trophy. Although he needed a second attempt with the sword, he was awarded one ear after a warning.

With his first bull, however, Roca Rey was unable to make a significant impact and was met with silence.

The most difficult afternoon belonged to Bruno Aloi, who was confirming his alternativa in Madrid. The young Mexican matador received the least cooperative lot of the corrida and had very limited opportunities to display his qualities. Despite his willingness and effort, he was silenced after both performances.

Overall, the Juan Pedro Domecq corrida produced noble and manageable bulls, although somewhat lacking in strength and fighting spirit. The second, fourth and fifth bulls stood out above the rest for their quality with the muleta.

The afternoon concluded with Diego Urdiales leaving Las Ventas through the Puerta Grande, reward for a mature and deeply authentic display of classical bullfighting.