Samuel Navalón opens the Puerta Grande in Albacete; Molina falls just short and Fortes thrills after a scare

The 2025 Albacete Fair already has its first standout name: Samuel Navalón walked out through the Puerta Grande, sealing a memorable afternoon full of emotion and with a strong turnout in the stands. The Valencian torero shone with his elegant natural passes and unflinching composure before a well-presented and noble-tempered string of bulls from Conde de Mayalde.

Navalón’s finest moment came with the third bull of the afternoon, which he greeted with a daring portagayola before settling into fluid verónicas. With the muleta, he began boldly in the centre of the ring with passes behind the back that electrified the crowd, before moving into a series of deep, personal naturales. He even ventured between the bull’s horns with great determination. A slip with the sword, a puncture before the final thrust, meant the two-ear performance was rewarded with just one trophy.

Eager for more, Navalón went all-out again with the sixth. Kneeling at the barrera, he welcomed the bull with two long-distance passes. Despite the rain, he drew the crowd to fever pitch by working in close quarters and was awarded the decisive ear that opened the Puerta Grande—the first of this year’s cycle.

Molina, the local matador, also gave a performance of commitment and finesse. He cut the first ear of the afternoon from the second bull after a composed faena down the right side and a well-placed sword thrust. His defining moment came with the fifth, when his toreo al natural stood out for its honesty and elegance. Everything pointed towards a triumphant double trophy, but his failure with the sword cost him a place in the triumphal exit.

The afternoon’s great scare came in the fourth. Fortes, attempting a portagayola, was caught violently by the bull, leaving him bruised and shaken. Yet, with admirable resilience, the malagueño returned to face the animal, capping the faena with a fine estocada that earned him an ear. With his first bull, however, he had little chance to shine as it quickly ran out of strength.

In short, Albacete witnessed a vibrant afternoon: Navalón confirmed himself as the first great victor of the fair, Molina brushed against glory, and Fortes left an indelible lesson of bravery that touched the hearts of the crowd.