A Brilliant Performance by El Mene Highlights the Afternoon as Alejandro Quesada Suffers Injury in Albacete

The Albacete arena experienced an afternoon of heroism and drama on 10 September 2025. The undisputed protagonist was El Mene, who not only faced his own two opponents but also stepped in to kill the sobrero after Quesada’s withdrawal. He signed the best moments of the day with the sixth novillo, producing a stylish and composed performance full of finesse, crowned by a superbly executed full thrust. The prize: the only ear of the afternoon.

The turning point came with Alejandro Quesada’s goring by the third novillo, a difficult animal. In a dramatic moment, the Albacete-born novillero was lifted violently, with the horn dangerously close to his chest, causing great concern among the spectators. Despite the injury, he showed bravery in dispatching the animal before walking unaided to the infirmary. Doctors diagnosed an internal goring in the left calf muscle, requiring surgical repair and drainage. His condition was deemed “less serious”, but he was later transferred to the Quirón Salud Santa Cristina Hospital. Unable to return, his second bull was taken on by El Mene.

Javier Zulueta also displayed moments of refined toreo. With the fifth novillo, run as a replacement after the original was injured, the Sevillian stood out with elegant natural passes that reached the crowd for their harmony and class. However, his sword work denied him any trophies. Earlier, with his first bull, weakened and lacking drive, he had already hinted at his promising concept without being able to complete the task.

The novillada from Antonio López Gibaja, well presented, gave a mixed game. The most notable were the fifth and sixth, which allowed both Zulueta’s stylish work and El Mene’s triumph, while the rest proved less cooperative.