Cristian Pérez narrowly reaches Puerta Grande at Madrid's Las Ventas

Albacete bullfighter Cristian Pérez returned to the Las Ventas arena in Madrid on 20 June 2026 after a serious injury in March. In the night’s corrida he cut the ear of his first Valdefresno bull and later gave a vuelta al ruedo, coming within a shoulder’s reach of the Puerta Grande. Pérez sustained a contusion on the left‑hand metacarpal and other minor injuries, but was treated in the infirmary and resumed the fight.

The event featured four bulls – two Valdefresno and two Couto de Fornilhos – and drew 7,234 spectators. Juan Pablo Sánchez and Alejandro Peñaranda also performed, with Sánchez receiving a silent reception and Peñaranda earning ovation for his sixth bull. Pérez’s effort was highlighted as a meritorious comeback, though the final bull proved especially hard and he was unable to exit the arena on his shoulders.

Overall, the evening was noted for Pérez’s determination, the crowd’s enthusiasm, and the mixed quality of the bulls, underscoring the cultural significance of the Madrid bullfighting season.