Ventura and Hermoso shine in the rejoneo afternoon with one ear each

The rejoneo bullfight produced moments of high-class horsemanship despite the uneven performance of the Fermín Bohórquez. Diego Ventura and Guillermo Hermoso de Mendoza emerged as the main figures of the afternoon, each securing an ear, while Rui Fernandes left empty-handed after several commendable efforts undone by the finishing steel.

A strong crowd filled much of the arena, with attendance reaching well over three quarters capacity, and the atmosphere steadily intensified as the event unfolded.

Rui Fernandes, composure without reward

The Portuguese rider opened the afternoon against a bull that soon showed limited movement. After a composed start aboard Olimpo, he stood out in the banderillas phase with H Quiebro, although placement was not always precise. One particularly tight pair stirred the stands, yet the bull’s lack of drive restricted the overall performance. Several failed attempts with the final sword resulted in silence.

His second appearance carried a stronger tone. Rui embraced risk along the boards with El Dourado, producing one of the most thrilling moments of the day. The connection with the crowd grew, especially during the displays with Mistral. However, repeated errors with the killing blow once again denied him a trophy, leaving a sense of a missed opportunity.

Ventura, intelligence and spectacle

Diego Ventura quickly understood the second bull, an animal that began with energy but soon drifted towards the boards. The rejoneador managed the rhythm cleverly, shining with Fabuloso in long lateral gallops that revived the excitement in the ring. A spectacular two-handed banderilla without reins on Bronce ignited the crowd, though a missed descabello reduced the reward to a warm ovation after a strong petition.

His second performance proved the most complete of the afternoon. Facing a powerful and imposing bull, Ventura built a steadily growing display from the outset. Quitasueños marked one of the high points with a tightly executed quiebro, before reaching the climax with another stunning two-handed pair on Bronce. Despite an imperfect kill, the president granted one ear amid loud calls for a second.

Guillermo Hermoso de Mendoza, youth and determination

The young Navarrese rider confirmed his progression with a committed and confident display. In his first bull he called from distance with Ecuador and maintained intensity with Berlín, blending precision and flair. The performance rose steadily, culminating with two roses and a two-handed pair aboard Esencial that resonated strongly with the crowd. A late descabello ultimately cost him a trophy.

With the sixth bull, Guillermo continued on an upward trajectory, highlighting his banderillas on Berlín and decorative pirouettes with Nairobi. He closed the afternoon with two final pairs that brought spectators to their feet. Although the killing blow landed slightly back, he secured an ear that confirmed his strong form.