The Peruvian bullfighter Roca Rey paraded two ears and a tail in the bullfight of Luis Algarra held on Sunday in Estepona. Alejandro Talavante also achieved two ears, while Juan Ortega left empty-handed.
The bullring in Estepona experienced an afternoon of strong emotions this Sunday, July 12, 2026. Roca Rey took the biggest triumph by cutting two ears and the tail of the third bull of the afternoon, from the Luis Algarra ranch. The Peruvian matador delivered a complete performance that earned applause from the audience, which filled three-quarters of the arena.
Roca Rey's peak performance
The third bull of the afternoon, the first of Roca Rey's lot, charged with spirit and energy. The bullfighter went after it from the start, with a gaonera that foreshadowed what was to come. After dedicating the performance to the matador Alfonso Galán, present in the alley, Roca Rey began the muleta work with statuesque movements and guided the charge with length on both sides. The slowness and poise marked a performance that he capped with a precise sword thrust. The audience requested the tail, and the president granted it.
For local fans, seeing a bullfighter of Roca Rey's stature in Estepona is a luxury. The plaza, with its bullfighting atmosphere, became the epicentre of the afternoon. Three-quarters full demonstrates the draw of a bullfight that brought together figures of the bullfighting world.
Talavante opens the afternoon with two ears
Alejandro Talavante was in charge of opening the fight. His first bull, also from Algarra, arrived just short of strength but with nobility. After a third of banderillas in which Javier Ambel and Manuel Izquierdo shone, Talavante delivered a neat and varied performance, fighting on both sides and finishing with manoletinas. A sword thrust on the first attempt earned him the first two ears of the afternoon. The audience, although not as enthusiastic as with Roca Rey, acknowledged his work.
However, the afternoon was not perfect for everyone. Juan Ortega had a lacklustre performance against the second bull. The best part was the reception with the cape, bending his knees to lance with style, and a chicuelinas pass with rolled-up media. But the bull stopped early, and Ortega could barely deliver loose muletazos. After a sword thrust on the second attempt, the bull took a while to fall, and the matador received lukewarm applause. For fans on the Costa del Sol, seeing Ortega in Estepona was an anticipated event, but the bull did not cooperate.
Summary of the bullfight
The bullfight of Luis Algarra left a bittersweet taste: two noble bulls but short of strength, and a third that did have transmission. Three-quarters full in a plaza that, despite not being full, recorded a good turnout. The next bullfighting event in Estepona will be next month, with a lineup yet to be confirmed. Fans hope to replicate the atmosphere of this afternoon.
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