Daniel Luque claims the only trophy in a demanding San Miguel afternoon

The second corrida of the San Miguel Fair maintained the atmosphere of a major occasion at La Maestranza, with a sold-out crowd and an afternoon shaped by the uneven performance of the Garcigrande bulls. Daniel Luque emerged as the main protagonist by claiming the only ear of the day after an inspired performance with the fifth, while Borja Jiménez delivered a strong showing and Talavante struggled for options.

The event began with a minute’s silence in memory of the rejoneador Rafael Peralta, in front of a packed arena displaying the traditional “no tickets available” sign. From the outset, the lack of strength in the opening bull conditioned the flow of the lidia. Talavante tried to nurse the animal with smooth, unforced muletazos, yet the bull repeatedly lost its footing and offered little chance to shine. The effort remained without reward.

The fourth brought similar difficulties for the Extremaduran matador. Although he produced a few elegant capework details, the bull carried an injury that limited both mobility and transmission. Talavante persevered, but the faena faded gradually and concluded in silence after the sword.

Daniel Luque showed clear intent from his first appearance. He handled the second with ease and took part in a lively exchange of quites with his fellow matadors. With the muleta, he delivered passages of quality, combining linked series with moments of artistry, highlighted by a long natural pass that drew warm applause. The work had structure and variety, though problems with the sword denied him a likely trophy.

The defining moment arrived with the fifth. The bull began uncertainly and part of the crowd even called for its replacement, but Luque chose patience. Without music and with exquisite rhythm, he constructed a sequence of slow, elegant natural passes that transformed the atmosphere in the arena. The faena grew in beauty and depth, reflecting the maturity of the matador from Gerena. A well-placed half-sword proved enough to secure the only ear of the afternoon.

Borja Jiménez also left a significant impression with the third bull. He carefully protected it during the horse phase and opened the faena with striking changed passes that connected strongly with the crowd. His best moments came on the right, while the left side posed greater challenges. After a decisive sword thrust, the public called loudly for an ear, but the president did not grant it, leaving the Sevillian to take a lap of honour instead.

The sixth once again tested Borja Jiménez’s determination. Rough and irregular, it forced him to rely on skill and courage to extract a handful of commendable muletazos, though it never allowed a fully rounded performance. The afternoon ended without further trophies in a corrida defined by the demanding nature of the bulls.

San Miguel thus continued with an event of growing interest, where Daniel Luque’s inspiration ultimately made the difference in a day marked by intensity and restrained emotion.