Borja Jiménez Ignites the Maestranza with the Only Worthwhile Jandilla Bull

The seventh event of the subscription season seemed doomed to silence. The Jandilla bulls, well presented but utterly lacking in spirit, brought out the worst in the cattle and the best in the audience’s patience. Amid the general docility, Borja Jiménez stood out as the only matador capable of electrifying the arena.

Sebastián Castella opened the afternoon with a bold portagayola, raising early hopes. After a well-executed third of banderillas by José Chacón and Alberto Zayas, the Frenchman began a determined but ultimately unrewarded faena. The bull faded quickly, offering little beyond the first few clean series. He finished with a half-thrust and was met with silence.

The fourth bull was no better. With a rough, unyielding charge, Castella showed determination, managing a few authoritative passes on the right, but the animal refused on the left. The matador perhaps insisted too long. He ended with a solid estocada and was applauded for his effort.

José María Manzanares drew two difficult, uninspiring bulls. The second showed some mobility in the cape but quickly turned defensive in the muleta. Despite his elegant style and technical precision, Manzanares cut the faena short due to the bull’s lack of cooperation. The fifth was even worse—devoid of class or spark. After a few fruitless attempts, the Alicante native wisely opted to shorten the encounter. In both cases, he killed effectively, but left no lasting impression.

The only glimpse of brilliance came from Borja Jiménez. The third bull, handsome and albahío in colour, charged brusquely and refused to settle in the cape. Still unruly in the muleta, Jiménez patiently tamed him with gentle touch and composure. A particularly elegant natural series stood out. He didn’t win a trophy, but he made a statement.

Then came the sixth—an oasis in a barren afternoon. Though tricky in the early stages and nervous in banderillas, Borja didn’t hesitate. He began the faena with two passes behind the back and a poster-worthy trincherazo. The music soon followed as the performance gained intensity. Long, flowing, well-tempered passes delivered with emotion and rhythm brought the crowd to life. He closed with tight, intimate series, void of showiness but rich in substance. A well-placed estocada and two ears—firmly requested—sealed the triumph of a mature and confident torero.