Valencia Review – 18 March 2026

The Valencia Bullring hosted one of the most intense events of the 2026 Fallas Fair with the highly anticipated mano a mano between Borja Jiménez and Tomás Rufo. A contest that ultimately tilted in favour of the Toledo-born matador, not only for the ear he secured, but for the overall weight of his performances in a controversy-filled afternoon.

Rufo delivered one of the most complete displays of the fair, coming close to a triumph on several occasions. From the outset, he made his intentions clear by receiving his first bull at the gate (portagayola), immediately igniting the crowd. With the muleta, he built a performance that grew in authority and control, particularly on the right-hand side. Despite the bull’s lack of stamina, he managed to extract valuable moments. A strong petition for the ear was ignored by the president, sparking the first signs of discontent.

A similar scenario unfolded with his second bull. Once again, Rufo committed fully, facing a difficult animal that lacked continuity. Even so, he produced moments of depth, especially with left-handed passes, in a performance defined by courage and determination. The refusal to grant a trophy after a strong petition further fuelled the tension in the stands.

The sixth provided the climax of his afternoon. Received with the same determination, Rufo managed to control a bull that showed uncertainty and a tendency to drift towards the boards. Through precise timing and positioning, he delivered a series of powerful right-hand passes that connected strongly with the crowd. As the bull began to fade, Rufo maintained intensity and composure. This time, his effort was rewarded with an ear, although the second was again denied despite loud calls from the audience. In recognition, he completed three laps of honour.

Borja Jiménez, for his part, showed flashes of quality but failed to translate them into tangible success. His first highlighted his power, especially on the right-hand side, while his third began with an explosive opening that quickly lost momentum as the bull weakened. The sword proved to be his main obstacle throughout the afternoon. His final bull offered limited options, preventing any significant impact.

The Domingo Hernández bulls were well presented and offered a range of behaviours, demanding both technique and understanding. While some displayed quality, others lacked stamina, requiring the matadors to work hard to build their performances.

It was an afternoon full of emotion in Valencia, with Tomás Rufo emerging strengthened and a crowd that witnessed a contest where success was within reach but ultimately curtailed by controversial decisions.