Review Madrid – 14 June 2026

The Charity Bullfight held this Sunday at Madrid’s Las Ventas Bullring produced one of those unforgettable images that remain etched in the memory of bullfighting fans: three matadors risking everything under relentless rain in a contest defined by adversity, courage and commitment.

Madrid once again responded to the importance of the occasion with a sold-out crowd, marking the nineteenth full house of the Las Ventas season. However, the unexpected star of the afternoon was the severe weather, which transformed the arena into an extremely difficult surface and heavily influenced the course of the bullfight.

Despite the conditions, Alejandro Talavante, Roca Rey and Víctor Hernández never lost their determination to succeed against a varied group of bulls from Victoriano del Río, with the outstanding sixth bull proving the highlight of the afternoon.

The strongest performance came from Víctor Hernández, who once again demonstrated his growing stature as a matador when facing the sixth bull. The Madrid-born bullfighter immediately showed his intentions, opening his performance with dramatic passes behind the back that quickly captured the attention of the packed crowd.

The faena gained depth and emotion during the left-handed passes, where Hernández produced some of the afternoon’s finest moments. With the bull charging with quality and the arena becoming increasingly treacherous, he relied on composure, technique and determination to construct a performance of considerable substance. He also produced notable moments with the right hand. Unfortunately, his sword work once again denied him a reward that appeared well within reach.

Earlier, with his first bull, Hernández had already delivered a committed and serious display, taking advantage of the animal’s qualities to produce several well-constructed series, particularly on the left side.

Alejandro Talavante’s afternoon was defined by his effort against the fourth bull. With heavy rain pouring down and the arena close to unworkable, the Extremaduran matador connected with the spectators from the opening moments of his faena. His opening high passes immediately generated a strong reaction from the crowd.

Talavante managed to dominate the bull’s initial charges and produced passages of genuine quality before the animal began to lose momentum. His inability to finish the performance effectively with the sword prevented him from turning the public’s appreciation into silverware. His first bull, meanwhile, offered very limited opportunities.

Roca Rey also showed his customary ability to overcome difficult circumstances. The fifth bull, demanding and lacking clarity in its charge, required the Peruvian star to rely on authority and determination.

Remaining composed despite the torrential rain, Roca Rey drew valuable passes from the bull, particularly with the left hand, maintaining the crowd’s enthusiasm as they recognised the tremendous effort being made in the ring. Once again, shortcomings with the sword prevented any reward. Earlier in the afternoon he had already demonstrated his ambition with a spectacular kneeling start that thrilled the crowd before the faena gradually lost intensity.

The 2026 Charity Bullfight will therefore be remembered not for trophies or triumphal exits through the Great Gate, but for the image of three matadors confronting extreme weather conditions with absolute commitment, proving that the true measure of a bullfighting afternoon is sometimes found in sacrifice, courage and the ability to overcome adversity.