A bullfight takes place in three stages. In the first stage the matador enters the arena and observes the bull's behavior, and then exits the arena. Meanwhile lancers on horseback stab the muscle on the bull's neck to lower its blood pressure and weaken its neck muscles.

In the second stage the three banderilleros each attempt to plant colored barbed sticks on the bull's flanks to weaken the neck and shoulder muscles. The blows also goad the bull into ferocious charges.

In the final stage the matador returns and goes one-on-one with the animal.

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