The iconic Las Ventas bullring descended into mediocrity once again. When the third bull fell to the skilled hands of Roca Rey, a wave of handkerchiefs emerged, signaling a desire for the Peruvian matador to receive an ear trophy. The demand was persistent, possibly due to the sluggish mulilleros, but the president stood resolute and denied the award. As the bull was dragged away, Roca sought sanctuary in the alley, accompanied by mere gentle applause from a handful of spectators.

Unprecedented. No standing ovation, no greeting, nor any protest from the stands. What was the point of the request? This puzzle can only be solved by acknowledging the lack of depth in today's audience, which happily fills the arena but also floods it with a festival-like ignorance. Such is the hallmark of contemporary times.

Did Roca Rey deserve the accolade? From the outset, his determination was evident, as is customary for this matador. He greeted his first bull with veronicas and delantales, subaltern Viruta saluted with banderillas, and Roca knelt in the center during the final third, executing two muletazos behind the back, two more high ones, and the obligatory chest pass, enthralling the crowd. The bull was amiable, as were its siblings, yet undeniably invalid, which didn't deter Roca from extracting every ounce of strength. Despite his commendable attitude, it wasn't ear-worthy.

He did, however, claim the ear of the fifth bull, another gentle, noble creature, initially dull but later invigorated through the last three right-handed tandas, where bull and matador united in smooth, connected muletazos, followed by circular moves that ultimately won over the audience.

Another trophy was claimed by Rafa Serna, who was consistent in his presentation, despite having limited experience since his 2017 alternative in Seville. He impressed with capote in stylish veronicas and tafalleras with his first bull, and awaited the sixth on bended knee in the center, executing a tight long change, followed by a set of veronicas, and then a chicuelinas galleo leading the bull to the horse, concluding with a flashy revolera.

With muleta in hand, he demonstrated dedication, bravery, and surprisingly, more skill than expected. His first bull ended swiftly, but the sixth allowed for satisfactory tandas from both sides. The bull defensively shook its head at each encounter, narrowly avoiding disaster. A falling sword did not prevent him from collecting an ear, demanded fervently by the stands captivated by his resolve.

Diego Urdiales faced worse luck and a disappointing afternoon. His first bull was a disaster, and with the fourth, which repeated more in the muleta, he delivered colorless, superficial passes that failed to stir any excitement.

In years not so distant, several bulls from this afternoon would have been returned to the pens due to obvious invalidity. But if anyone doubts the times have changed, today is undeniable proof. Tender, docile, and very weak, yet all six met their end in the ring unjustly.

Bulls from El Torero, barely presentable, tame, invalids, very noble and lacking spirit. The fourth was the only one that fulfilled in the varas and repeated in the final third.

Diego Urdiales: pin prick, perpendicular and contrary stab notice (silence); stab (silence). Roca Rey: stab (request and gentle applause); notice low stab (ear). Rafa Serna, who confirmed the alternative: rear and falling stab (silence); falling stab (ear).

Plaza de Las Ventas. May 29. Eighteenth bullfight of the San Isidro Fair. A full house with 'no tickets available' (22,964 spectators, according to the company).