Falcons and Bengals Split Practice Sites in Madrid
The NFL teams prepared for Sunday's game at the Santiago Bernabeu while organizers manage local noise restrictions.
By Paula Delgado ·
The Atlanta Falcons and Cincinnati Bengals arrived in Madrid on Tuesday with a clear division of labor for their pregame preparations. The Falcons began their week at the training center of Real Madrid on Wednesday. The Bengals will join them on the ground this week, starting their practices on Thursday at the facilities of the Spanish national soccer team.
Both clubs are preparing for Sunday's matchup at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. This venue is home to Real Madrid, the soccer club with 15 European titles. The NFL is holding its second regular-season game in Spain, following last year's debut event where the Miami Dolphins defeated the Washington Commanders 16-13 in overtime.
Kevin Stefanski, the Falcons head coach, expressed gratitude for the logistical support provided by the league. He noted the effort required to move a football team across the Atlantic. Stefanski said the facility allowed the team to get work done effectively. He described the experience as a huge undertaking but felt the organization took great care of the players.
Rafa de los Santos, the NFL country manager for Spain, said the event is on track. He confirmed that preparations at the stadium and city levels are proceeding smoothly. Organizers expect a crowd of roughly 80,000 fans on Sunday. Last year's game drew 78,610 spectators. Tickets for this week's contest were still available as of Wednesday.
The game will include a tribute to the 69 people killed in a high-speed train collision last week. Dozens were also injured in that accident. Organizers have not detailed the specific nature of the memorial, calling it a surprise for the attendees.
This contest is the seventh of nine games scheduled outside the United States this season. The remaining two games will take place in Munich and Mexico City. The NFL has one year left on its agreement to host games in Madrid. Last year, the Commanders practiced at the Real Madrid center while the Dolphins used the stadium of city rival Atletico Madrid.
The halftime performance will feature Colombian musician Manuel Turizo. The event must comply with local noise regulations because the Bernabeu is located in an upscale residential area. Concerts at the stadium have been suspended since 2024 due to neighbor complaints about sound levels. De los Santos said the team adjusts to the laws in Spain to ensure the event meets all requirements.
