6th Season. Monumental Plaza de toros México.

A Cold Afternoon with Sparse Attendance

Bulls from Julián Hamdan, well presented as usual. Bred by the owner in Tequisquiapan, State of Querétaro. The first one was noble and came from a long distance, the second one was invalid and ended up surrendering, the third one was untried, the fourth one was visibly injured and returned, the fourth bis had less trapío, drove but didn't charge, the fifth one was complicated, and the sixth one had no stamina.

Extremeño Miguel Ángel Perera opened the event dressed in olive and gold, demonstrating steadiness and courage in front of his barely lanced opponent. Miguel Ángel managed to deliver tight and long passes with his left hand, which were well received by the audience. He killed with a slightly rearward half sword. There was a request for an ear but it was not granted, although the crowd rewarded him with a well-deserved lap of honor. Banderillero Curro Javier also saluted in the third bull. The fourth bull was returned due to weakness. The fourth bis, barely lanced, came out with its head raised from the first muletazo. Perera gave his all and yet the audience failed to appreciate his determination. He missed with his sword and even received a warning. He retired in silence.

Dressed in navy blue and gold, the young hidrocálido Juan Pablo Sánchez showed skill and great composure, impressing the audience with his rhythmic work on both sides, showcasing technique, aesthetics, and sentiment with the cape. He killed with a clean thrust and cut an ear that he paraded amidst popular jubilation. With the fifth bull, he suffered from the usual deplorable performance of the cuadrillas. With his knowledgeable muleta, he managed to dominate the charges of his dark-colored opponent by extending their charges until the bull started to get ahead of him, making his work more difficult. He killed with an effective low thrust, retreating to the barriers amidst mixed reactions.

The other hidrocálido, grandson of Maestro Fermín, did not show security in his footwork when receiving his first bull. With the muleta, he tore from a prudent distance, opening the bull too much. He had no communication with the audience, who demanded what they expected from an "Armilla". He killed with a pinchazo without releasing and a rearward thrust. He bid farewell amidst mixed reactions. With the bull that closed the event, he once again appeared insecure in his footwork and without a direction. His performance this afternoon was grayer than his previous presentations.

Juan Pablo Sánchez continues to make an impact. Perera deserves more opportunities as he demonstrates security and power. And Armillita IV was heavily weighed down by the lineup. His management must carefully consider whether to repeat this type of lineup or keep him as a co-star in the Fair in his native Aguascalientes.