Ventura Takes an Ear as Javier Funtanet Makes His Alternative

GIJÓN BULLRING, EL BIBIO

Diego Ventura Makes the Difference with Quirico and Lío

Review, August 14th 2026

Review Bullfighting Gijón – 14 August 2026

Diego Ventura claims the only award in the second bullfighting event of Gijón’s Begoña Fair, where Javier Funtanet makes his debut as a rejoneador, delivering a determined performance.

The second event of Gijón’s Begoña Fair saw Diego Ventura deliver the standout performance, claiming the only award of the afternoon at El Bibio bullring. The rejoneador was at his best against the second bull from Los Espartales, while Javier Funtanet marked his alternative debut with two committed performances that ultimately went unrewarded.

The final killing strokes proved decisive in determining the outcome. Both Duarte Fernandes and Funtanet had opportunities to earn greater recognition, but neither managed to finish their performances effectively with the killing rejón.

Ventura produced the afternoon’s most memorable moments with the second bull. Riding Quirico and Lío, he delivered an accomplished performance that won over the crowd, particularly during the banderillas stage, where precision, close execution and excellent horsemanship stood out.

His performance earned the approval of the spectators, allowing him to collect an ear the only trophy awarded during the event.

His second appearance proved considerably more difficult. The fourth bull was sluggish and reluctant to engage, limiting Ventura’s opportunities to shine and leaving him to settle for silence from the crowd.

Funtanet Makes His Alternative Debut with a Determined Performance

One of the main attractions of the afternoon was Javier Funtanet, who took his alternative with Veterano, bull number 17 from the Los Espartales herd.

The Mexican rejoneador built momentum throughout his debut performance. His work gained intensity as it progressed, prompting a request from the crowd for an ear, although the award was not granted. He completed his performance with a lap of honour.

He showed similar determination in the sixth bull, demonstrating his willingness to take risks. Riding Gitano, he executed two particularly close and daring banderillas, bringing added excitement to his performance through his proximity to the bull.

However, another unsuccessful killing stroke prevented him from rounding off his appearance at El Bibio with an award. He finished the afternoon with a second lap of honour.

Duarte Fernandes Impresses on El Dorado

Duarte Fernandes also produced some notable moments during his first appearance. Against the third bull, he stood out on El Dorado with a beautifully measured sideways canter, demonstrating his ability to guide the bull’s charge with elegance and precision.

His performance had enough merit to put him in contention for an award, but the final killing stroke put paid to those hopes. He received an ovation in recognition of his work.

The fifth bull offered fewer opportunities. Showing a less cooperative temperament, it gave the Portuguese rejoneador little scope to develop a more accomplished performance. Fernandes received another ovation before leaving the arena.

An Afternoon Shaped by the Final Killing Strokes

The second event of the Begoña Fair produced one ear for Diego Ventura and several noteworthy moments, particularly during Javier Funtanet’s alternative debut. The quality of some performances contrasted with the difficulties encountered when attempting the final killing strokes, which ultimately proved decisive.

El Bibio bullring was around half full for an afternoon in which the bulls from Los Espartales displayed varying levels of cooperation. Ventura was the only performer to turn his efforts into an award.