Roca Rey triumphs in Albacete with two ears and exits through the Great Gate

The fourth bullfight of the 2026 Albacete Fair ended with Roca Rey as the undisputed star of the afternoon. The Peruvian matador left the bullring through the Great Gate after cutting both ears from the fifth bull, in front of a completely sold-out crowd and an enthusiastic audience that was behind the three matadors from the very beginning.

The victory reflected one of Roca Rey’s greatest strengths: his ability to impose himself on the bull and take his performances to a level of maximum intensity.

Facing the fifth bull, a complete and impressive specimen from the Daniel Ruiz breeding line, the Peruvian matador built a performance that grew steadily in intensity. His low, powerful muleta work and his firmness in front of the bull captivated the packed stands. After a successful sword thrust, he was awarded both ears, earning his passage through the Great Gate.

Roca Rey had also produced some highly significant moments with his first bull. He received it with a series of verónicas, before beginning his muleta performance on his knees in the ring, executing a series of changing passes that immediately fired up the atmosphere. The performance showed authority and depth, although the final result was affected by his work with the sword.

Navalón, courage and commitment despite the sword

Samuel Navalón once again showed why Albacete holds such a special place in his career. The Valencian matador received the third bull on his knees with a series of verónicas and went on to provide one of the afternoon’s most dramatic moments.

During a tafalleras pass, he was violently tossed into the air by the bull. However, he quickly returned to face the animal and continued with a performance full of courage and commitment. His strongest passages came on the right hand, before he finished the faena at extremely close quarters, producing a highly intense conclusion.

He was awarded one ear for his performance. A failed sword thrust prevented him from securing an even greater reward.

With the sixth bull, Navalón once again showed his willingness to take risks from the outset. He went to portagayola, waiting alone on his knees at the entrance to the arena to receive the bull as it charged out. He then maintained his determined attitude throughout the faena.

Once again, his work with the sword prevented a greater reward, and he eventually received an ovation after the warning was announced.

Talavante, inspired natural left-hand work

Alejandro Talavante had to wait until his second appearance to find a bull that offered the conditions required for him to express his distinctive style.

The first bull of the afternoon gave him very little opportunity, and the Extremaduran matador was unable to develop his performance fully. Everything changed with the fourth, a Daniel Ruiz bull that showed quality, although it lacked some of the strength and stamina needed for a more complete performance.

Talavante then found the opportunity to express himself. The heart of his faena was his natural left-hand bullfighting, with inspired, elegant muleta passes and a highly distinctive personal style. The performance gained momentum as it progressed, although once again the sword played a decisive role in the final outcome.

The matador was sent off to an ovation.

A bullfight with generally good-quality bulls

The bulls from Daniel Ruiz and Victoriano del Río generally provided favourable conditions for the matadors to perform. The first bull was weak, while the third was noble but lacked the strength and impetus to fully develop its performance.

Among the Daniel Ruiz bulls, the fifth stood out in particular, becoming the key to Roca Rey’s triumph. The fourth also showed quality, although it lacked some of the fighting spirit required for a more complete faena.

The Victoriano del Río bulls performed well overall, with particular praise for the second.

The afternoon also began with the Spanish National Anthem being played after the traditional parade of the matadors, in a completely full bullring for one of the most eagerly anticipated contests of the Albacete Fair.

Roca Rey, with two ears, was the only matador to walk through the Great Gate. Talavante and Navalón also provided enough memorable moments to ensure that the fourth bullfight of the fair will be remembered for its intensity, courage and commitment.