Matadors Fortes and Emilio de Justo were carried shoulder-high in Malaga on Friday after cutting two ears each during the return of the Victorino Martin ranch.
Sevillian bullfighter Manuel Escribano suffered a 15-centimeter goring to his right leg during his first bull but stayed in the ring to cut an ear from his second before entering the infirmary.
The afternoon marked the return of the renowned Victorino Martin livestock to the Costa del Sol capital after a 12-year absence, drawing an almost full crowd to Malaga's annual Feria de Agosto festival.
Borracho awarded rare lap of honor
Local Malaga matador Saúl Jimenez Fortes produced a masterclass of purity and courage against Borracho, a brave bull numbered 53 that proved the standout specimen of the fight.
Fortes maneuvered the animal on the right side with exquisite cadence, depth and smoothness, keeping his positioning compact while stepping into each pass without hesitation.
His work on the left-handed natural passes proved equally firm as the faena built in intensity, matching the magnificent class of the brave gray bull.
After executing an effective sword thrust, Fortes was awarded both ears, while Borracho was honored with a rare vuelta al ruedo lap of the arena for its bravery.
Fortes faced a far more complicated challenge with the sixth bull of the afternoon, which showed class but lacked strength in its hindquarters, leaving the matador silent after a warning from the president.
Emilio de Justo claims shoulder-high exit
Caceres-born matador Emilio de Justo opened his afternoon against a fast-moving bull that displayed demanding bravery during the final cape work.
De Justo worked hard to control the animated animal, eventually crafting a smooth series of natural passes near the sand in the closing minutes of the bout.
Facing the fifth bull, another fiercely brave specimen from the Victorino breeder, De Justo delivered a persistent and emotional performance that energized the grandstands.
A successful first-time sword kill secured two ears for De Justo, earning him the right to be carried through the main exit on fans' shoulders alongside Fortes.
Manuel Escribano fights through severe goring
Veteran Sevillian matador Manuel Escribano displayed mature skill with his demanding first bull, opening his performance kneeling at the gate in a traditional portagayola greeting before placing banderillas with flair.
Escribano quickly noted that the bull accepted passes only on its left horn, drawing out long, smooth natural passes while the right side remained short and unpredictable.
When Escribano attempted a single series on the right horn, the bull stopped short and gored him in the right shin area.
Refusing to pause or inspect the injury, Escribano pressed on without musical accompaniment, taking single natural passes against an increasingly dangerous opponent.
To avoid delaying his bout, Escribano requested to swap the fighting order so he could face his second bull immediately before seeking medical care.
He overcame the active second bull with firmness, landing another effective sword thrust to cut one ear, which he carried around the ring before entering the stadium medical room.
Medical staff confirmed Escribano suffered an ascending 15-centimeter horn wound between the anterior tibialis muscle of his right leg, causing muscle laceration and contusion without nerve or vascular injury.
