On November 8, 2026, the Cincinnati Bengals defeated the Atlanta Falcons 34-17 at Santiago Bernabéu Stadium in Madrid, Spain, during the NFL’s second regular-season game in the country. Joe Burrow threw three touchdown passes to lead the franchise to its first-ever victory outside the United States.
The Cincinnati Bengals secured a 34-17 win against the Atlanta Falcons on November 8, 2026, at Estadio Santiago Bernabéu in Madrid, Spain, in front of 78,660 spectators, as reported by MARCA. The matchup marked the second consecutive year the Spanish stadium hosted an NFL regular-season fixture.
More history for Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase: The Bengals’ QB-WR duo now ties Joe Montana and Jerry Rice with the third-most TD passes of 40-plus yards in NFL history since 1980. Trailing now only Peyton Manning & Marvin Harrison (21) and Steve Young & Rice (20). @WDTN pic.twitter.com/OIrAXIyh9n
Burrow and Chase dominate in Spain
Joe Burrow completed 24 of 29 passes for 271 yards and three touchdowns without an interception, according to Heavy. Cincinnati head coach Zac Taylor praised his quarterback’s elite execution ahead of the trip, calling him arguably the best passer in the world right now
as reported by Sky Sports.
Wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase caught 10 passes for 155 yards and a touchdown, connecting with Burrow on a 47-yard score during the first quarter, noted A to Z Sports. That long-range connection tied Burrow and Chase with Joe Montana and Jerry Rice for the third-most touchdown passes of 40-plus yards in NFL history since 1980, according to Heavy.
That'll do it from Madrid. The Falcons are thwarted by a dynamic Bengals offense and a season-high in penalties. More from @willmcfadden and I in the Game Breakdown. https://t.co/FEccCdGak8
Tee Higgins added two touchdown catches for the Bengals, finishing with 32 yards on five receptions, as detailed by Heavy.
Falcons undone by penalties
Atlanta opened the scoring with a touchdown pass from Michael Penix Jr. to Charlie Woerner on the game’s opening drive, noted MARCA. Running back Bijan Robinson anchored the Falcons offense with strong rushing contributions, but self-inflicted mistakes derailed the team, according to Blogging Dirty.
After a lackluster offensive performance against the Bucs in Week 8, Drake London says the Falcons are "as intentional as can be" in Madrid this week about righting the wrongs of that last outing. On the Falcons quest to "get back to who they are" ⤵️https://t.co/uH8dx5A2z2
The Falcons committed 12 penalties for 88 yards, which hampered their comeback efforts, reported Blogging Dirty. Following the defeat, Atlanta head coach Kevin Stefanski stated that the team suffered from too many self-inflicted errors against a strong opponent, according to USA Today.
Chase and Sydney Brown face off as Bengals improve
The international fixture featured a family matchup between twin brothers Chase Brown of the Bengals and Sydney Brown of the Falcons, noted Nfl.
With the victory, the Cincinnati Bengals improved to 6-2 on the season and prepared for an AFC North clash against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday Night Football, according to Cincy Jungle and Heavy. Meanwhile, the Atlanta Falcons dropped to 3-5, as reported by Kalshi News and Blogging Dirty.
Before facing Atlanta in the Spanish capital, Cincinnati maintained its second-place position in the AFC North standings behind the 6-2 Pittsburgh Steelers, while the Cleveland Browns held a 5-3 record.
Across the contest, Evan McPherson contributed field goal scoring for Cincinnati, including a successful kick from 57 yards out during the first half and a late conversion from close range with 4:36 remaining in regulation to secure the final advantage. The defensive front for the Bengals applied persistent pressure on Michael Penix Jr. throughout the afternoon, with defensive contributions limiting Atlanta’s offensive rhythm.
The historic afternoon inside Santiago Bernabéu Stadium began with the venue decorated in NFL colors for the second consecutive year, replacing Champions League nights with American football. Florentino Pérez received pre-game adulation from the crowd of 78,660 spectators before the opening kickoff. The Who Dey Nation supporters vocalized their presence throughout the arena, loudly booing the Falcons who served as the designated home team. Following the opening offensive series where Atlanta established an early lead via Charlie Woerner’s touchdown reception, the Bengals responded swiftly through Joe Burrow’s precise aerial attack.
Burrow directed an offensive unit that capitalized on clean blocking from right tackle Amarius Mims alongside guards Dylan Fairchild and Dalton Risner. Tee Higgins added yardage to Ja’Marr Chase's ten-reception, 155-yard performance. On defense, the Bengals contained Bijan Robinson, preventing the star running back from breaking away for major gains while limiting overall opportunities for the Atlanta attack.
As the clock wound down toward the final whistle, a late interception thrown by Michael Penix Jr. off target behind Bijan Robinson effectively ended any remaining chance of a comeback, allowing the Bengals to run out the remaining minutes and seal the 34-17 triumph.