Review Madrid – 9 May 2025

Talavante Sends Las Ventas into Raptures and Opens the First Puerta Grande of San Isidro 2025

Alejandro Talavante added another glorious chapter to his Las Ventas legacy with a high-flying performance against ‘Misterio’, a superb bull from Victoriano del Río, to kick off the 2025 San Isidro Fair. Inspired and profound, the Badajoz-born matador was triumphantly carried out on the shoulders of the crowd through the Puerta Grande for the sixth time in his career. French matador Clemente, confirming his alternativa, displayed poise and commitment despite failing with the sword, while Juan Ortega was unable to shine with a disappointing pair of bulls.

San Isidro opened in full pomp at Las Ventas, with a capacity crowd and an air of high expectation. The first “No Tickets” sign of the season hung proudly at the gates. In this atmosphere of anticipation, Alejandro Talavante rose to the occasion and turned the afternoon into a celebration of art and courage.

It was in the fourth of the afternoon, named Misterio, where Talavante worked his magic. The bull, from Victoriano del Río, showed rhythm, depth, and class, and Talavante took full advantage. His toreo was elegant, intense, and composed: graceful naturales, low-handed changes of direction that ignited the crowd, and a classic final passage executed low and slow that won over the demanding Madrid fans. A perfectly placed estocada sealed the deal. The two ears were requested with force, and granted—ushering Talavante through his sixth Puerta Grande at Las Ventas.

Earlier, his first bull lacked stamina and presence, giving Talavante little to build on. He was met with silence after a brief performance.

Clemente, in his San Isidro debut, had the weighty task of confirming his alternativa—and met it with maturity and style. His first opponent was reserved and reluctant to lower his head, but the Frenchman showed resolve and skill, especially on the right-hand side. Just as the performance reached its peak, he was caught in a chilling moment while finishing low, yet he returned to complete the job with bravery. The sword, however, failed him, limiting his reward to an ovation. His second bull offered no opportunity, and he could only defend his place with dignity.

Juan Ortega produced one of the most artistic flourishes of the afternoon with the cape—immaculate chicuelinas and a media verónica worthy of any poster. But with the muleta, his first faded fast. He crafted a promising right-hand series, but the bull’s lack of drive ended any further momentum. His second was rough and defensive, giving Ortega no chance to compose anything worthwhile. Silence followed both encounters.

The joint bullfight from Victoriano del Río and Toros de Cortés offered a mixed bag: there was strength, class, fierceness, and fading energy. But Misterio, the fourth bull, made the day—and earned a warm ovation as he was dragged away.