Victorino Martín's comeback to Málaga brought a tense bullfight. Fortes and Emilio de Justo left the arena on shoulders. Manuel Escribano suffered a serious leg injury but continued his performance.
The long-awaited return of Victorino Martín to Málaga after 12 years delivered a bullfight marked by intensity, risk, and unexpected drama. The event at La Malagueta saw Saúl Jiménez Fortes and Emilio de Justo both carried out on shoulders after standout performances, while Manuel Escribano endured a serious goring but chose to finish his fight before seeking medical attention.
The afternoon began with a shocking incident. The first bull from Victorino Martín, known for its unpredictable temperament, gored Manuel Escribano in the lower right leg, causing a 15-centimeter wound. Despite the severity, Escribano insisted on continuing, arguing that if he left for the infirmary immediately, he would not be able to return. He proposed to his fellow matadors and the event organizers to switch the order of the fights, allowing him to face his next bull while his leg was still numb from adrenaline. This gesture was widely respected by all present, including the authorities.
Escribano faced the fourth bull without banderillas or the traditional opening, focusing on controlling the animal with powerful passes. However, the bull proved difficult, and as Escribano’s pain increased, he shortened his performance and ended with a decisive sword thrust. The crowd responded with a wave of handkerchiefs, moved by his determination. As he collected his ear award, the audience sang him 'Happy Birthday'—he turned 42 that day—before he finally made his way to the infirmary amid chants of '¡torero!'
Emilio de Justo then took center stage, demonstrating composure and skill against a demanding Victorino bull. His precise technique and ability to handle the animal’s challenging movements earned him a strong ovation, though the president denied him an ear. De Justo’s second bull, the fifth of the afternoon, was equally fierce, and his performance was rewarded with two ears after a bold and committed display. The president’s earlier decision was seen as controversial, but De Justo’s overall showing secured his exit through the main gate.
Fortes delivered one of the most memorable moments of the day with the fourth bull, named Borracho, which was awarded a lap of honor after its death. Fortes managed to bring out the best qualities of the animal, executing a technically demanding and artistically rich faena. His work was recognized with two ears, confirming his status as one of the standout matadors of the event. The sixth and final bull, however, proved less cooperative, and Fortes was unable to repeat his earlier success.
The medical report confirmed that Escribano underwent surgery under general anesthesia for a deep wound in the lower right leg, with a reserved prognosis. The bullfight featured six Victorino Martín bulls, four of them five-year-olds, known for their seriousness and physical presence. The fourth bull stood out for its exceptional quality, while the first was considered the most problematic.
According to the official summary, Escribano (in slate and gold) received an ear in his second fight, De Justo (white and jet) earned two ears in the fifth, and Fortes (peacock blue and gold) took two ears with Borracho. Both Fortes and De Justo were carried out on shoulders, marking a triumphant close to the evening.
Events like this highlight the enduring tradition and unpredictability of Spanish bullfighting, where moments of triumph and risk are closely intertwined. The spectacle at La Malagueta drew significant attention, echoing the kind of public mobilization seen in other major Spanish events, such as the recent coordinated demonstration by Catalan pro-independence groups, which also brought thousands together in a display of unity and passion. For more on large-scale gatherings and their impact in Spain, see this report on the Catalan Diada mobilization.
Bullfighting remains a controversial yet deeply rooted part of Spanish culture, with each event reflecting both the artistry and the dangers faced by its participants. The Málaga bullfight of August 21, 2026, will be remembered for its emotional highs, the resilience of its matadors, and the exceptional quality of Victorino Martín’s bulls.
