Review Madrid – 30 July 2026

Héctor Gutiérrez Completes His Outstanding Copa Chenel Campaign with Victory in Madrid

Las Ventas Bullring hosted the Grand Final of the sixth edition of the Copa Chenel this Thursday, bringing to a close one of Spain’s leading competitions for matadors seeking to establish themselves on the country’s major bullfighting circuits. After visiting thirteen arenas across the Madrid region and featuring 18 matadors alongside 27 fighting bull breeders, Mexican matador Héctor Gutiérrez emerged as the 2026 champion thanks to his consistency throughout the competition and his impressive display in the final.

The victory represents a major step forward in his career, as the prize includes a place in the prestigious Las Ventas Autumn Fair, awarded to the overall winner of the competition.

A Meaningful Confirmation of His Alternative

Gutiérrez’s first appearance of the afternoon carried special significance as he confirmed his alternative at Las Ventas against a bull from El Capea. He immediately showed confidence with the cape before producing a composed and stylish muleta performance against a quality opponent. The Mexican matador demonstrated rhythm, depth and particularly elegant work with the left hand. A well-placed sword thrust earned him a lap of honour after a petition for an ear was not granted.

His second bull demanded greater determination. Despite being disarmed twice, Gutiérrez remained composed and adapted intelligently to the animal’s behaviour. His best moments came with a series of naturally executed left-handed passes that brought the crowd to life before concluding his performance to warm applause.

Alejandro Marcos Unable to Find an Opening

Alejandro Marcos faced a demanding first bull from El Capea that offered few opportunities throughout the fight. The Salamanca-born matador attempted to impose his style on both sides, but the bull lacked consistency and mistakes with the sword meant his effort was met with silence.

His second bull, bred by Carmen Lorenzo, showed more promise, allowing Marcos to produce several attractive passages on the left hand. However, the faena never fully came together and repeated failures with the sword once again prevented any reward from the Madrid crowd.

Diosleguarde Shows Determination with an Unrewarding Lote

Fortune was also against Manuel Diosleguarde, who drew the least cooperative pair of bulls. His first lacked transmission and quickly sought refuge, forcing the matador to rely entirely on commitment and determination to maintain the interest of the performance.

The sixth bull was greeted with conviction from the outset, and Diosleguarde once again displayed commitment. He produced several notable natural passes, but the bull’s limited charge and difficulties on the right side restricted his chances of success. Two sword attempts before the final killing blow brought his afternoon to a close, again acknowledged only with silence.

A Competition That Continues to Grow

The Copa Chenel once again fulfilled the objective for which it was created: providing genuine opportunities for emerging matadors while promoting a wide variety of Spanish fighting bull breeders. This year’s edition featured ranches from both Madrid and other regions, with El Capea and Carmen Lorenzo making their debut as breeders of a full corrida at Las Ventas.

Héctor Gutiérrez’s path through the competition fully justified his victory. He began his campaign in San Agustín del Guadalix, impressed in San Martín de Valdeiglesias, strengthened his credentials in the semi-final at Alalpardo, and ultimately sealed the title in the world’s most demanding bullring.

The 2026 Copa Chenel therefore concludes by reinforcing its status as one of Spain’s most important bullfighting competitions while launching another promising matador towards the sport’s biggest stages.