Week seven of the Bachelor delivered some of the most dramatic moments of the season, as Grant and his remaining ten women packed their bags and headed across the Atlantic to Madrid, Spain. What started as an exciting international adventure quickly turned into a battleground of emotions, with one contestant monopolizing the lead’s attention and another ultimately walking away from the process. From donkey rides and mechanical bulls to bungee bridges and emotional confessions, this episode had everything fans love about reality television romance.
The Madrid Arrival and Grant’s Spanish Connection
Following the chaotic “prom from hell,” the morning after left several women nursing wounds and others feeling confident. Carolina declared she had peace of mind, but her competitors weren’t buying it. They felt she had already consumed too much of Grant’s time, setting a pattern that would define the entire week.
Host Jesse Palmer arrived with a surprise twist: no individual dates would take place in their current location because all ten women would travel to Madrid, Spain. The announcement sent the contestants into a packing frenzy as they had just one hour to prepare for their flight. Meanwhile, Grant had already arrived in Spain, where he revealed a personal connection to the country having once played professional basketball there. He and Jesse even played a quick one-on-one game, during which Jesse reminded Grant that this week represents the point in the journey where relationships either solidify or fall apart.
Dina’s Romantic One-on-One Date
As the women sipped sangria and awaited Grant’s arrival, the Bachelor made his entrance with embraces for everyone before selecting Dina for a one-on-one experience. Their date took them through local parks, past picturesque scenery, and eventually to a small square where they joined local children in a spirited soccer game. Afterward, the couple danced in the plaza before visiting a wall of wishes where they both inscribed their hopes for the future. Dina admitted that while writing wishes felt corny, doing it alongside Grant felt meaningful because they shared similar dreams.
The couple’s romantic arc continued with a peaceful rowboat ride across a small pond. This quieter moment allowed them to discuss partnership dynamics, an important conversation considering both admitted to being somewhat independent-minded. Grant confessed that he’s accustomed to handling things on his own, but Dina is teaching him the value of a true 50-50 relationship built on mutual giving.
That evening, Dina and Grant dined in elegant evening wear, diving deeper into their personal histories. Grant shared that his seven-year relationship ended because he neglected to prioritize his partner’s needs while chasing career ambitions. The couple discussed trust, loyalty, and love, with Grant expressing that his connection with Dina has already exceeded his expectations. As a singer and guitarist serenaded them, Grant presented the date rose, and Dina accepted. Their budding romance looks genuinely promising as Grant sees in her both strength and softness.
Group Date Adventures: Bullfighting Lessons and Mechanical Bulls
Carolina Continues to Stir the Pot
Back at the hotel, Carolina raised eyebrows when she complained about needing more time with Grant, despite already having received one-on-one attention. Her fellow contestants viewed her comments as entitled and ungrateful, given that many others were still waiting for any private moments with the Bachelor. When the next date card arrived for Alexe, Litia, Carolina, Natalie, Rose, Parisa, Zoe, and Juliana, Sarafiena secured the remaining one-on-one date.
The group date began humorously as Parisa dealt with a trifecta of bad luck: a breakout, a chest burn from her straightener, and an uneven spray tan. Their destination featured donkey rides through an old section of town, where Parisa unfortunately drew a particularly gassy donkey while Carolina’s mount proved stubborn and slow.
Matador Lessons and the Mechanical Bull Challenge
The women met with a local matadora who broke barriers as the first female bullfighter in her region. After learning cape techniques with Grant charging at them in a wheeled bullhead contraption, the ladies changed into matador costumes for a mechanical bull riding competition. Carolina quipped about budget disparities between the men’s and women’s outfits, comparing the ladies’ attire to Spirit Halloween costumes. The competition brought out everyone’s competitive spirit, with Alexe inventing a new riding technique that worked surprisingly well, and Zoe employing wrestling moves learned from her high school boys’ team to claim victory. Zoe earned a silver trophy and special time with Grant.
During their sunset cocktail on the rooftop, Zoe opened up about her difficult childhood as a mixed-race adoptee in predominantly white communities. She shared painful memories of feeling unworthy of friendship or romance, which forced her to develop emotional walls at a young age. Grant responded with deep compassion, noting that he resonates with her experiences. He also gifted Parisa imported Spanish rocks, a gesture that touched her deeply given her tradition of collecting stones from every place she visits.
Juliana Confronts Carolina’s Behavior
Rose attempted to repair her relationship with Grant after last week’s setback, and their conversation yielded progress. However, Carolina interrupted the positive atmosphere by voicing doubts about knowing Grant well enough after just one date. She questioned how anyone could accept an engagement after such limited time. Juliana was visibly disturbed by these comments.
Pulling Carolina aside, Juliana called her negativity “unsettling” and suggested that if she had real doubts, she should leave. Carolina dismissed Juliana’s concerns but promised to be more careful with her words. However, during the rose ceremony preparation, Carolina broke down crying and rushed to Grant, telling him everything Juliana had said while framing herself as the victim. She claimed Juliana was questioning her intentions, and Grant, feeling caught between the two women, became so confused that he decided not to hand out the group date rose at all, ruining the evening for everyone.
Sarafiena’s Bungee Bridge Adventure
Grant’s remaining one-on-one date with Sarafiena promised to fast-track their connection. They drove to a bridge where they would bungee jump together in the rain, a terrifying but bonding experience. Despite the weather, both leaped off the bridge, kissed while dangling upside-down, and emerged from the experience with strengthened feelings. Grant joked about the waiver feeling like a death certificate, but Sarafiena remained calm and supportive throughout.
At dinner, Sarafiena discussed growing up with a single mother and the embarrassment she once felt about not having a traditional family. Grant connected deeply with her authenticity and vulnerability, noting that she seems genuinely ready for love. He offered the date rose, and she accepted, marking a significant turning point in their slow-burn romance.
The Cocktail Party Showdown and Rose’s Departure
Tension permeated the cocktail party as the women processed the previous night’s drama. Grant spoke with Juliana first, who called Carolina unhappy and ungrateful. Despite using her valuable time addressing another contestant, Juliana ended the conversation with a kiss from Grant. Carolina then met with Grant, who expressed hurt that she had questioned his character. He asked her to bring concerns directly to him rather than discussing them with the other women, leaving her feeling defeated.
The evening’s most heartbreaking moment came when Rose confronted Carolina, accusing her of sabotaging their relationship the previous week. Emotional and overwhelmed, Rose told Carolina that she had “done her dirty.” After speaking with Grant, Rose tearfully announced that she wanted to go home. The pressure had become too much, particularly with Carolina continuing to create chaos. Grant respected her decision without fighting to keep her, though he had clearly cared for her. He walked her out before the rose ceremony began.
The Rose Ceremony Results
When the roses were distributed, the following women secured their places in the competition:
- Dina (one-on-one date rose)
- Sarafiena (one-on-one date rose)
- Litia
- Juliana
- Alexe
- Zoe
- Carolina
The eliminations shocked many viewers, particularly Parisa’s departure despite what seemed like a genuine connection with Grant. Natalie also went home after struggling to find quality time with the Bachelor over the previous weeks.
Looking Ahead to Scotland
Next week’s preview promises even more international romance as the women travel to Scotland. Juliana appears poised for quality time with Grant, complete with fireworks, while Litia continues building her connection. As for Carolina, expect more monopolizing behavior and tears through yet another group date, a pattern that has become all too predictable in this Bachelor season.
This Madrid episode showcased how one contestant’s relentless pursuit of attention can overshadow genuine connections forming elsewhere. While Dina and Sarafiena shined during their one-on-one dates, and Zoe revealed her vulnerable side, Carolina’s drama machine continued grinding, ultimately costing Rose her place in the competition. With seven women remaining and a trip to Scotland on the horizon, the pressure on Grant to find his future wife only intensifies.