Review Madrid – 6 April 2025

Madrid, 6 April 2025 – Miguel Andrades won the respect of the Las Ventas crowd in the first novillada of the month. The young novillero from Jerez threw himself into the fight with total dedication, standing out against both of his bulls from the Hermanos Sánchez Herrero ranch. He was applauded after a determined showing against the third, and later, against the more difficult sixth, he showed grit and command to earn a well-deserved lap of honour that felt like both a prize and a promise of what’s to come.

From the opening capework with the third bull, Andrades made his intentions clear. He displayed clean, stylish toreo and led the bull to the horse with elegant chicuelinas al paso, which were warmly received. He shone again during the banderillas with confidence and skill. Wasting no time, he began his faena with his right hand, taking advantage of the noble charges of “Giraldillo”, the best bull of the day and the only one applauded as it left the ring. He was caught hard during a series of naturales, but returned to the bull without hesitation, drawing heartfelt applause with a series of emotional, committed passes. A missed sword cost him any trophy, but the crowd acknowledged his effort with an ovation.

He welcomed the final bull of the afternoon with a larga cambiada at the tercio, and once again offered a daring performance in the banderillas. This bull lacked class and drive, demanding full commitment. Andrades emptied himself, relying on his heart and poise to win over an already supportive crowd. His faena, deeply meritorious due to his attitude and control, resonated with the audience. Though it took three attempts with the sword, the petition from the stands was strong enough to grant him a resounding lap of honour.

At nearly thirty, Andrades broke the mould—not with youth or modern flair, but with hunger, character and a kind of torería rooted in authenticity. He didn’t come to merely make an appearance. He came to leave a mark—and he did.

His fellow novilleros had less luck. Álvaro de Chinchón managed a decent showing with the first replacement bull, a serious-looking specimen from Aurelio Hernando with more nobility than his brothers. His second opponent offered little opportunity. Manuel Caballero also found no options with his difficult pair. Aside from the third bull, the Sánchez Herrero novillos were dull and lacking in spirit, leaving the weight of the event on the shoulders—and heart—of a single torero.

Andrades left the ring without trophies, but with something more valuable: the respect of Madrid and the excitement of a prospect who may one day become a star.