Pablo Aguado cuts three ears in Seville to open the Puerta del Príncipe

Triumph at La Maestranza

Sevillian matador Pablo Aguado secured three ears at the Real Maestranza de Caballería in Seville on Saturday, 26 September 2026. Performing during the Feria de San Miguel in front of a capacity crowd, Aguado earned his exit through the Puerta del Príncipe seven years after his previous four-ear triumph on 10 May 2019. Wearing a suit of blue Consolación de Nervión and gold, Aguado faced two bulls from the Jandilla ranch owned by Borja Domecq. Following the performance, Aguado reflected on the emotional weight of returning through the central gate.

If every bullfighter's dream is to open it once, opening it again seems impossible. But, beyond the Puerta del Príncipe or the ears, what I take with me are the sensations I had in front of the bull. It is why one steps in front of an animal that can take you out.

Faenas against Iniciado and Peleador

Aguado built his victory across two distinct performances during the corrida. The first came against the third bull, named Iniciado, which entered the ring around 19:10. The bull had previously flipped over during a chicuelina pass by Emilio de Justo, prompting De Justo to apologize to Aguado. Aguado recovered the pace through a sequence of derechazos, trincherazos, and a molinete before delivering an estocada in the center of the ring, earning two ears from the judges.

Facing the sixth bull, named Peleador, Aguado required three descabellos and received two official warnings from the presidency. Despite the delay in finishing the bull, the judges awarded him the single ear required to reach the three-ear threshold for opening the Puerta del Príncipe. Banderillero Iván García also drew applause during the sixth bull, removing his hat in tribute to the crowd.

To have a bull charge at you the way you feel it in Seville is the closest thing to complete happiness.

Performance of alternate matadors

The afternoon featured a full six-bull card from the Jandilla ranch, presenting mixed conditions for the three matadors. Emilio de Justo, dressed in green and gold, opened the afternoon and took a hard blow to the back near the wooden boards before securing one ear from the first bull. His second bout with the fourth bull yielded no trophies after the animal lost stamina on the left side. Andrés Roca Rey, wearing tobacco and gold, faced the second and fifth bulls of the afternoon but struggled to gain traction with either animal.

One always comes with the hope of opening the Puerta Grande, but it was a serious afternoon with an ear of enormous weight. It fell apart on the left. It was a beautiful afternoon, with important moments, and the fans treated me with much respect, affection, and admiration.

Procession through Seville streets

Following the conclusion of the sixth bull, the celebration moved outside the arena walls. Spectators lifted Aguado onto their shoulders to carry him through the Puerta del Príncipe as night fell over the city. A crowd escorted the matador along Paseo de Colón toward the Hotel Colón, chanting his name along the route and halting vehicle traffic across several central avenues.