In the NFL’s first regular‑season game in Spain, the Cincinnati Bengals continued their hot start by defeating the Atlanta Falcons 34-17 at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium in Madrid. Quarterback Joe Burrow completed 24 of 29 passes for 271 yards, delivering three touchdown passes and adding a rushing score.
Key performances
Wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase recorded 10 catches for 155 yards and a touchdown, including a career‑high 142 yards in the first half. He celebrated a 47‑yard touchdown catch with a playful bull‑fighting routine alongside teammate Tee Higgins, who added two touchdown receptions.
Higgins finished with two scores, while the Bengals’ offense scored on every possession before halftime, posting three touchdowns and a field goal. The team has now scored 30 or more points in four straight games, tying a franchise record set in 1997.
Falcons’ effort
Atlanta quarterback Michael Penix Jr. threw for 162 yards, one touchdown and one interception, completing 20 of 31 attempts and adding 50 rushing yards. Running back Bijan Robinson contributed 100 rushing yards and a touchdown on 19 carries, plus 47 receiving yards.
Falcons coach Kevin Stefanski acknowledged the team’s shortcomings, saying, “We were not good enough, we have to do better.”
Game atmosphere and milestones
The crowd of 78,660 largely favored the Bengals, and the lights briefly went out during a late‑game snap, forcing a replay of the down. The event marked the Bengals’ first win in an international game; they previously tied in London in 2016 and lost in 2019.
Before kickoff, a moment of silence honored the victims of a high‑speed train crash in central Spain that killed 69 people, including four Americans. Former Real Madrid and Brazil soccer star Roberto Carlos sounded the train horn for the Falcons’ traditional pre‑game celebration, and Colombian singer Manuel Turizo performed at halftime.
Looking ahead
The Bengals return home to host the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday Night Football, while the Falcons will host the Kansas City Chiefs next week.
Original reporting: KSAT Sports (San Antonio) — read the source article.
