The Santiago Bernabéu stadium (Real Madrid’s home ground) witnessed a historic event last night: the first official NFL game in Spain.
In an electrifying atmosphere, with more than 78,000 fans filling the renovated stadium, the Miami Dolphins defeated the Washington Commanders 16-13 in overtime, in a game that steadily increased in intensity until its dramatic conclusion.
A game that built momentum and exploded in the second half
The first half will not be remembered for its offensive brilliance. Both teams, cautious and erratic in their early drives, were forced to settle for field goals. The score was tied at six, leaving everything to play for after a half dominated by defense.
The game shifted in the third quarter when the Commanders found their spark with a touchdown by Deebo Samuel, which ignited the neutral crowd and ignited the game. However, the Dolphins, far from crumbling, responded with patience and determination. The final push came in the fourth quarter with Ollie Gordon’s touchdown, which not only tied the game but also transformed the Bernabéu into a cauldron of noise, as if the stadium itself had embraced the intensity of American football for one night.
Overtime, inevitable given the tie, was decided by a single detail: an interception on Washington’s first drive, with Marcus Mariota caught out by a rushed read. Miami capitalized on the opportunity with composure and closed out the night with a decisive field goal that sealed the final score of 16-13. A collective victory, a hard-fought victory, and a victory that reignites the Dolphins’ playoff dreams.
If the sporting spectacle was remarkable, the parade of familiar faces was equally impressive. The Bernabéu’s VIP box was ablaze with a mix of figures from the worlds of sports, politics, and culture. Florentino Pérez acted as host to the NFL’s top officials, accompanied by Mayor José Luis Martínez-Almeida and Regional President Isabel Díaz Ayuso, who was very active on social media promoting the event and the city.
The evening also brought together sports stars such as Zinedine Zidane, Guti, Marco Asensio, Koke, and Antoine Griezmann, the latter two being well-known NFL fans. Their presence reinforced the international scope of the event and the growing appeal of the sport in Europe.
The halftime show featured Bizarrap, who debuted his new set alongside Daddy Yankee, in a performance that transformed the break into a global party, reminiscent of the Super Bowl.
NFL Madrid 2025 was more than just a game: it was a celebration of the sport and a showcase for the international expansion of the American league. The Bernabéu responded like few others, demonstrating that Spain is ready to host major events and that the NFL has found a new and exciting destination on its global map.
The Dolphins took the victory; Madrid, the spectacle. And the fans, the certainty of having witnessed a historic night that, if all goes as planned, will be the first of many.
