GIJÓN BULLRING, EL BIBIO

Roca Rey Delivers a Commanding Performance and Conquers El Bibio

Review August 16th - 2026

Review Bullfighting Gijón – 16 August 2026

Andrés Roca Rey leaves Gijón on the shoulders of the crowd after cutting three ears, while Alejandro Talavante and Juan Ortega each claim one trophy at the Begoña Fair.

Andrés Roca Rey emerged as the undisputed star of the fourth event of the 2026 Begoña Fair. The Peruvian matador captivated the crowd at El Bibio bullring with a performance full of commitment and authority, earning three ears and a triumphant exit on the shoulders of the crowd.

It was an afternoon of contrasting challenges for the Peruvian. In his first appearance, he found the conditions needed to build a substantial and powerful faena. His second bull, however, proved considerably more demanding, requiring courage, determination and unwavering concentration.

The third bull gave Roca Rey the opportunity to display his most forceful bullfighting. He constructed an intense faena, demonstrating authority and the ability to impose his will on the animal. His work gained depth and connected strongly with the spectators, producing one of the most memorable performances of his career at the Gijón venue.

The crowd rewarded his efforts with two ears, reflecting the quality and completeness of his performance.

The tension increased with the sixth bull. Fierce and demanding, the animal presented a serious challenge, which Roca Rey confronted without hesitation. The Peruvian stood his ground against repeated charges, producing moments of considerable tension that kept the audience captivated throughout.

His determination earned him a further ear, bringing his tally to three and securing his triumphant exit on the shoulders of the crowd.

Talavante Earns His Reward with the Right Hand

Alejandro Talavante displayed his distinctive approach to bullfighting from his first appearance. Against the opening bull, he delivered a faena characterised by softness and temple, guiding the animal’s charges with naturalness and composure. Although his work did not earn a trophy, he received an ovation from the crowd.

The Extremaduran matador found greater opportunities with the fourth bull, producing a more accomplished performance. His work with the right hand provided the highlights of a faena that gathered momentum and won the appreciation of the spectators.

His efforts were rewarded with an ear, adding to the afternoon’s tally of trophies.

Juan Ortega Displays Elegance and Rhythm

Juan Ortega also left his mark on an afternoon in which composure and artistic expression played a central role. The Sevillian matador came close to claiming a trophy with the second bull, which he handled with remarkable slowness and precision, giving his passes an elegant, measured rhythm.

However, a failure with the sword cost him the award, and his performance was acknowledged with an ovation.

The fifth bull offered another opportunity. Ortega showed patience, allowing the animal time before gradually developing his faena. The initial restraint gave way to passages of great harmony, highlighting the rhythm, naturalness and elegance that define his style.

This time, he converted his work into a tangible reward, taking an ear and completing a performance that showcased his distinctive artistic personality.

Bulls from Puerto de San Lorenzo and La Ventana del Puerto Contribute to the Afternoon

The six-bull line-up, drawn from the Puerto de San Lorenzo and La Ventana del Puerto, herds, provided an interesting contest overall. The animals were well presented, and several offered the matadors opportunities to demonstrate their skills.

The opening bull stood out for the quality of its charges. The third also provided moments of interest, although it gradually lost momentum after showing a tendency to lose its determination.

The fourth allowed Talavante to deliver his strongest performance of the afternoon, while the sixth stood out for its fighting spirit and the considerable demands it placed on Roca Rey.

The result was an entertaining afternoon of bullfighting, with all three matadors connecting with the crowd. However, there was one undisputed star: Roca Rey, whose three-ear triumph was the outstanding achievement of the day.

Event Details

Bullring

El Bibio Bullring, Gijón, Asturias. Event: Fourth event of the 2026 Begoña Fair. Attendance: Three-quarters full, according to the event report.

Breeding farms

Puerto de San Lorenzo (first and sixth bulls) and La Ventana del Puerto (second, third, fourth and fifth bulls). Bulls: Well presented and generally of good quality.