There's nothing more tiresome than a lackluster bullfight, and when the heat is overwhelming, it becomes an almost unbearable spectacle. One must scrutinize the notes taken during the event to find any memorable details, but alas, there were few to be found. Perhaps the banderillas placed by Fernando Sánchez, the third member of Tomás Rufo's team, and Rufo's more passionate than profound performance with the sixth bull, the only one with spirit and mobility from the uneven herd of El Parralejo, which lacked power and depth throughout.

Yet, outside the arena, a remarkable occurrence stood out: the twelfth "sold out" sign was hung as the twenty-first event of the fair took place. A splendid piece of news for the business, and for the bullfighting festival itself, which, despite its internal struggles and fervent opposition, has found new life.

Another full house gathered for a lineup that, on paper, lacked the allure of popular figures, only to witness three performers spend over two hours in the arena without leaving a single lasting impression.

This dilemma plagues many of today's bullfighters, dedicated professionals of an art form that typically demands more than just duty and diligence.

Perera, Adrián, and Rufo were advertised with a commercial herd reserved for the top ranks, and bulls reputed to cooperate with the matadors. However, none of them stood out.

Indeed, the bulls offered little; timid in the first act and gentle yet lacking spirit in the muleta, leaving the matadors to merely occupy the space with limited skill, few ideas, lacking control, and at the mercy of their opponents' meager attributes.

And therein lay the monotony; passes and more passes, forgettable before completion, with advantageous positioning, minimal effort, and scant moments of artistry.

Perera performed with his usual skill, dispatched his two bulls, and departed. Fernando Adrián sought victory with more zeal but did not find it. He welcomed his first bull with a kneeled move but soon faltered, collapsing in the arena after a lengthy and laborious performance. He dedicated the fifth bull's faena to the audience, starting with two kneeled muletazos, but the bull's apparent vigor quickly dissipated.

Tomás Rufo, bidding farewell to the fair alongside Perera, endeavored against the spirited sixth bull, though his passion and haste overshadowed the intelligent calm required. He began on his knees twice, but a distraction caused by a fallen banderilla and a subsequent loss of grip marred his good intentions. There was commitment, a relaxed muletazo, a left-handed series of good tone, but the overall result was less impressive than expected. A well-placed stab after a deep pin earned him an ovation.

Bulls from El Parralejo, well-presented, timid, gentle, and lacking spirit. The sixth stood out for its mobility and fierceness in the final act.

Miguel Ángel Perera: a rear and falling stab (silence); a low and hanging stab (silence).

Fernando Adrián: a hanging half-stab (ovation); a falling stab with a warning (silence).

Tomás Rufo: two pricks and a hanging half-stab (silence); a transverse half-stab and a good stab (ovation).

Plaza de Las Ventas. June 1st. Twenty-first bullfight of the San Isidro Fair. Sold out (22,964 spectators, according to the organizers).