NFL Makes History in Madrid: Dolphins Defeat Commanders

In a landmark event for American football, the National Football League held its first regular season game in Spain on Sunday, November 16, 2025. the Miami Dolphins emerged victorious over the Washington commanders in a closely contested match at the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu in Madrid,winning 16-13 in overtime.

The game marked a notable expansion of the NFL’s international series, bringing the sport to a new European audience. The atmosphere at the iconic soccer stadium was electric, with a crowd of over 60,000 fans witnessing the historic event.

The Commanders, featuring wide receiver Brandon Coleman, fought hard but ultimately fell short. A crucial mistake by quarterback Marcus Mariota proved costly, contributing to the team’s defeat. Mariota’s fumble in overtime set up the Dolphins for the game-winning field goal.

The Dolphins’ victory was a testament to their resilience and strong defensive performance. While the game was a loss for the Commanders, the event itself was widely considered a success, showcasing the growing global appeal of the NFL. The league has not yet announced plans for future games in Spain, but the positive reception suggests further expansion into the European market is likely.