Samuel Navalón confirms his great form and leaves through the Puerta Grande in Ciudad Real

The Feria de la Virgen del Prado came to an end with the traditional Charity Bullfight, brought back this year to the joy of local fans. A fresh line-up of three young matadors, each at a different stage of their career, filled the ring with anticipation and summer atmosphere. More than half the arena was occupied, handkerchiefs waved, fans fluttered, and the crowd was eager for good bullfighting.

The Martín Lorca bulls were serious in appearance and varied in behaviour. Within this context, Samuel Navalón once again proved that he is going through a remarkable moment in his career. He fought with poise and maturity, displaying the composure of someone in complete control of his art — with a calmness unusual for his age. He understood his first bull from the opening passes with the cape: measured, commanding and confident, stepping bravely into dangerous terrain. The final sword thrust was flawless, the kind that unites the entire arena — earning him two ears and a thunderous ovation. The audience recognised the performance of a truly promising matador.

With his second bull, a more demanding one, Navalón showed the same determination. His opening kneeling passes were explosive — the sort that stay in the memory. It was a well-constructed faena, with deep, powerful muletazos and a vibrant finish with bernadinas. This time, a slip with the descabello (final thrust) deprived him of an even greater triumph, but not of the public’s admiration, as he was carried shoulder-high through the Puerta Grande.

Alejandro Peñaranda deserved to join him. He performed with confidence and that distinctive style that is beginning to set him apart. With his first bull, an imposing 603-kilo specimen, he delivered a faena full of depth and elegance, dedicated to Beltrán “El Blonda”, the young boy who went viral last weekend for mock-bullfighting in front of anti-bullfighting protesters. His work was full of grace, rhythm and commitment, but the sword cruelly denied him any trophies. With his second bull, a beautifully shaped sobrero (replacement), ovated upon entrance, Peñaranda had fewer opportunities to shine — the bull quickly lost strength. Despite a fine final thrust, the result was limited to a warm ovation.

Carlos Aranda, who opened the bill, fought with heart before his home crowd. He showed plenty of courage, though luck was not on his side. His first bull lacked class, yet Aranda managed to steal a few brave series of passes, earning a sincere ovation. His second bull, more manageable, allowed him to draw long, flowing muletazos with good expression, though once again, the sword let him down.

The evening had the nostalgic yet satisfying feel of a fair’s closing act — the sun setting over the stands, the band playing, and the crowd applauding a young matador who confirmed what many already suspected: Samuel Navalón is on a roll, and his success is no accident. A genuine display of fine bullfighting — calm, truthful, and full of promise for the future.