NFL hails Madrid as a “once-in-a-lifetime experience”

The NFL described its visit to Madrid and the Santiago Bernabéu as a “once-in-a-lifetime experience”. After the league’s second game in Spain, players and coaches from the Cincinnati Bengals and Atlanta Falcons praised the stadium and the city. The NFL returned to the Bernabéu a year after the game between the Dolphins and Commanders.

The Bengals won against the Falcons, who were the home team. But defeat did not wipe the smile from Kevin Stefanski’s face. The Falcons’ coach began his remarks by offering thanks, praising the welcome from the country, the city and Real Madrid. “The experience was incredible,” he said, adding how grateful he was for the way they had been treated.

He also praised the stadium and its fans, calling the experience and game day exceptional. The Bengals’ coach described the crowd as “incredible” and the stadium as the setting for a “once-in-a-lifetime experience”. He did point to one organisational problem: a power outage during a play. Otherwise, he felt those involved had done an excellent job managing the event and looking after the teams.

Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. ranked the Bernabéu just behind Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium: “After the Benz, it’s the best stadium.” Joe Burrow, who leads Cincinnati’s offence, also enjoyed the venue and atmosphere, as well as the chance to put on a good show for the Spanish crowd. Taylor, meanwhile, left the door open to a return: “We would definitely come back if they wanted to host us for a game.”

The week in Madrid also made an impression away from the field. Ja’Marr Chase remembered the food and said he had visited four or five restaurants with his family. Tee Higgins was more taken by the architecture and named the sunset at the Temple of Debod among his favourite memories. A Bengals linebacker highlighted the fans’ support and thanked Real Madrid for its welcome. Their comments reinforced the shared verdict from both teams: the stadium and the city had lived up to expectations.