Famous bullfighter Morante de la Puebla marked his long-awaited return to the ring in sensational fashion on Sunday.

After a performance branded ‘triumphant’, he was awarded two severed ears by judges – the highest honour possible – which he then waved to the roaring crowd.

The packed Plaza de Toros de la Maestranza erupted as the hometown matador completed a dramatic comeback months after stepping away from bullfighting, with local media describing it as ‘a masterclass that reminded fans exactly what they had been missing.’

Anticipation had been building all day around the Paseo Colon, with thousands flocking to witness what many dubbed Morante’s ‘bullfighting resurrection’.

Among those watching was disgraced former king Juan Carlos I, adding further weight to one of the most talked-about corridas of the year.

A minute’s silence was held before the action began, but once proceedings got underway, all eyes were firmly on Morante.

While his first bull did not go quite to plan, he reportedly ‘pulled it out of the bag’ on the second one he killed.

His performance was ‘full of the signature flair that has made the Sevilliano one of the most revered figures in modern bullfighting’, local press lauded.

After a clinical finish he was awarded two ears amid deafening calls from the stands.

Morante paraded the trophies around the arena, holding them aloft to a baying crowd chanting his name.

Read more Andalucia news at the Spanish Eye.