80,000 expected at Bernabeu for Falcons-Bengals game

The Atlanta Falcons and Cincinnati Bengals arrived in Madrid on Tuesday to prepare for their Sunday game at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.

The Falcons began their training regimen on Wednesday at the Real Madrid training center. The Bengals are scheduled to start practicing on Thursday at the facilities used by the Spanish national soccer team.

Both teams are staying in the capital for the second regular season NFL game hosted in Madrid. Last year, the Miami Dolphins defeated the Washington Commanders 16-13 in overtime at the same venue.

NFL Spain country manager Rafa de los Santos stated that preparations are on track. He noted that everything is ready for a big Sunday, including stadium logistics and city-level events. The game will feature a surprise tribute to the 69 people killed in a high-speed train collision last week.

This matchup is the seventh of nine international games on this season's NFL schedule. The remaining contests will take place in Munich and Mexico City. Organizers anticipate mint field conditions at the Bernabeu.

Expectations point to a crowd of approximately 80,000 fans on Sunday. Last year's game drew an attendance of 78,610. Tickets remain available for purchase. De los Santos emphasized that field condition is a priority for Real Madrid and that the surface is expected to be in excellent shape.

The halftime performance will feature Colombian artist Manuel Turizo. Organizers will adhere to local noise regulations, which have suspended concerts at the stadium since 2024 due to complaints from residents in the nearby upscale neighborhood. The NFL and Madrid have one year remaining on their current agreement for games in the Spanish capital.