Martín Morilla makes the difference and claims an ear at La Maestranza

The fifth novillada of the season ticket series placed Martín Morilla firmly in the spotlight after a composed performance rewarded with an ear. The return of the Portuguese Murteira Grave ranch to La Maestranza after more than three decades produced a well-presented but uneven run of young bulls that tested all three novilleros. 

Diego Bastos opened proceedings with a youngster that pushed strongly in the horse. The Seville-based bullfighter built a powerful faena, particularly in the early right-handed series, where he linked passes that brought the band to life. Although slightly slow to respond, the bull showed quality and allowed several notable passages on the natural. An effective half-sword thrust prompted a strong request from the crowd, resulting in a lap of honour. With the fourth he faced a tense moment when he had to intervene following a heavy fall of the horse during the first varas. The bull soon lost momentum and, despite Bastos’s willingness, the performance could not fully develop. 

Fuentes Bocanegra encountered fewer opportunities with his pair. The second arrived at the muleta lacking mobility, forcing the Córdoba-born novillero into a determined but unrewarded effort. With the fifth he attempted to change the rhythm of the afternoon, delivering some stylish cape work and dedicating the faena to the crowd before beginning in the centre of the ring. However, the youngster lacked class and commitment, leaving his work without tangible reward. 

Martín Morilla signalled his intentions from the outset. He greeted his first with elegant verónicas that quickly captured attention. The third proved to be the most complete bull of the afternoon, and the Seville-born novillero made the most of it, linking series with taste on both sides and shining especially on the left hand. The faena carried depth and structure, finished with a decisive sword thrust that secured the only ear of the event. The sixth, more awkward and irregular in its charge, prevented him from extending his triumph, although Morilla remained determined and at times rose above the difficulties presented. With more than half the seats occupied, the novillada confirmed the strong form of Martín Morilla, whose performance left the clearest impression in an afternoon defined by the varied behaviour of the Portuguese-bred youngsters.