Historic NFL Debut in Spain
A historic event unfolded at Madrid’s iconic Bernabéu Stadium as the NFL made its debut in Spain, featuring an exciting matchup between the Washington Commanders and Miami Dolphins. This marked a significant milestone as it was the inaugural regular-season game held on Spanish soil. Prior to the kick-off, Real Madrid transformed the stadium, showcasing it at its best for this landmark occasion.
Notable Attendees
Among the notable figures present were Real Madrid’s president Florentino Pérez, who reunited with former coach Zinedine Zidane. They were joined by Isabel Díaz Ayuso, the Community of Madrid’s president, and José Luis Martínez Almeida, the mayor of the capital, engaging in friendly discussions and photo opportunities. Zidane, honored as the NFL’s special guest, performed the traditional coin toss to commence the game.
Footballers from LaLiga also made their presence felt at this sporting event. Atletico Madrid’s Antoine Griezmann, known for his love of American sports, along with teammate Koke, were in attendance. Real Madrid’s recent acquisition, defender Antonio Rüdiger, also joined, reconnecting warmly with Pérez. Former Real Madrid forward Marco Asensio, now playing for Fenerbahce, added to the star-studded lineup.
Legends and Entertainment
The atmosphere was further enriched with the presence of retired legends of the game, including Iker Casillas and Guti, who took the chance to reunite. A notable moment occurred when Casillas crossed paths with Mexican goalkeeping star Memo Ochoa, resulting in a heartfelt greeting between the two international keepers.
The halftime entertainment featured performances from popular music artists Daddy Yankee and Bizarrap, elevating the experience for fans. This match was the seventh and final international game of the NFL for the season, with the league set to return to Mexico City next year.
Game Highlights
As for the game itself, the Dolphins triumphed over the Commanders in a thrilling overtime finish, with a decisive 29-yard field goal by Riley Patterson sealing the 16-13 victory. Additionally, Dolphins player Jack Jones celebrated a pivotal interception in true football fashion, mimicking Cristiano Ronaldo’s iconic “SIU” celebration, much to the delight of the crowd.
It was indeed a remarkable day, blending elements of both American and Spanish sporting cultures, creating a memorable experience for all involved.
