Highlights from Las Ventas, 12 October 2026: Morante de la Puebla, Héctor Gutiérrez and Aarón Palacio

Las Ventas closed its season on 12 October 2026 with the Hispanic Day corrida and Aarón Palacio’s confirmation of his alternativa, alongside Morante de la Puebla and Héctor Gutiérrez. Three bulls from Garcigrande and three from Núñez del Cuvillo were fought before a sell-out crowd of 22,964. The afternoon ended without any ears awarded: Palacio acknowledged applause after his confirmation bull, Héctor Gutiérrez received an ovation for his first performance, and Morante acknowledged applause after his faena to the fourth.

Palacio found his best opportunities with Veraniego, from Garcigrande, which he fought particularly well with his right hand. Morante stood out with left-handed natural passes against Rosito, although sword failures limited his reward to an ovation after a warning. Héctor Gutiérrez produced his most acclaimed moments against Lamparito, from Núñez del Cuvillo. The second bulls in Gutiérrez’s and Palacio’s lots offered fewer opportunities, and both received silence.