Falcons Train at Real Madrid Facility Ahead of Sunday NFL Game

Atlanta Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski said the team arrived in Madrid on Tuesday and began using Real Madrid's training center on Wednesday. The Falcons and Cincinnati Bengals will face each other on Sunday at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. The matchup marks the second NFL regular-season game hosted in the Spanish capital.

Stefanski described the travel as a major logistical effort. He told reporters he was grateful for the work put in by the NFL and the organization to get the team across the Atlantic. "This is a beautiful facility for us to get some work done this week," Stefanski said. "I'm just very appreciative and grateful to the NFL, to our organization."

The Cincinnati Bengals will begin their practice sessions on Thursday at the facilities of the Spanish national soccer team. This arrangement follows the World Cup matches Spain played in Atlanta earlier this year. The NFL country manager for Spain, Rafa de los Santos, said the training locations are well-suited for high-level athletes. "The good thing is that this year the Falcons are having their practices at (Madrid's training center), and they're super used to deal with high-level athletes as the Falcons are," de los Santos said.

Organizers expect approximately 80,000 fans to attend the game on Sunday. Tickets remained available as of the reporting date. Last year, 78,610 spectators watched the Miami Dolphins defeat the Washington Commanders 16-13 in overtime. De losantos said field conditions at the Bernabeu are expected to be in mint condition, a priority for the soccer club.

The game will include a surprise tribute to the victims of a high-speed train collision that killed 69 people and injured dozens last week. Organizers did not specify the details of the remembrance. The event is the seventh on the NFL's record nine-game international schedule for the season, with remaining games set for Munich and Mexico City.

Colombian musician Manuel Turizo will perform during halftime. Organizers said the show will comply with local noise regulations in the stadium's residential neighborhood. Concerts at the venue have faced restrictions since 2024 due to complaints from nearby residents. De los Santos said the event will adjust to the rules in place in Spain.

The partnership between the NFL and Madrid includes another year of games in the city. The current agreement allows for continued international fixtures in the capital. The Bernabeu, home of the 15-time European soccer champion, hosted the first NFL game in the country last year.