Morante Moves Without the Sword, Luque and Rufo Take an Ear Each

Morante: Open-Hearted Artistry

Morante de la Puebla once again left his unmistakable mark — an artist of instinct, emotion and elegance. With his first bull, he enjoyed a deeply flavoured opening with the cape, full of personality. He dedicated the fight to the president of Andalusia, Juanma Moreno, and began the faena with his muleta folded, raising anticipation in the crowd. Despite the bull’s initial nobility, it lacked stamina, which hindered the overall performance. Morante, valiant as ever, brought the bull to the centre of the ring, searching for a miracle. A slightly rearward sword followed by a descabello meant the effort ended in a warm ovation.

His second, a bull with a strong appearance but uncertain charge, brought a surprising start from Morante: molinetes and trincherazos ignited the arena. As the band played Suspiros de España, he dominated with the right hand. On switching to the left, the bull pressed him hard, but Morante held his ground with mastery. Unfortunately, the sword once again failed him, and though a prize slipped away, the crowd rewarded him with an affectionate ovation.

Luque: Composure and Craft

Daniel Luque displayed maturity and authority. In his first, he handled the bull with care from the outset, controlling the left-side weakness with measured muleta work. On the right, he built a composed, technically brilliant faena that surpassed the bull’s lack of drive. Music played as he finished with a strong sword, prompting a petition for a trophy — denied by the president. Nonetheless, his lap of honour felt like an ear in itself.

In his second, Luque saw the potential from the first verónicas. The faena was structured, exposed, and filled with flourishes of a seasoned maestro. He linked right-handed series cleanly and, when the bull sought to escape, he stood firm, ending with his signature luquesina. Although the sword was slightly off target, the president had no doubts: a well-deserved ear, affirming a torero at full maturity.

Rufo: A Step Forward

Tomás Rufo also left his mark. With his first, he showcased control with the cape and began his faena on his knees, delivering low, circular passes. The bull, noble yet lacking spark, allowed two neat right-hand series and one to the left that didn’t quite ignite the crowd. He killed efficiently and received a strong ovation, although the requested trophy was withheld.

His moment came with the last of the afternoon. Rufo dedicated the bull to the public and delivered a well-paced faena, particularly strong on the right side. On the left, he crafted the best muletazos of his performance: three long, deep and flowing passes. As the bull faded, he kept the intensity. A precise sword brought the ear — a reward for his growth and determination in a demanding afternoon.