Cincinnati Bengals Dominate Atlanta Falcons 34-17 in NFL Madrid

Cincinnati Bengals Quarterback Joe Burrow’s Four Touchdowns

The Cincinnati Bengals continued their offensive surge on the international stage Sunday, defeating the Atlanta Falcons 34-17 in the NFL’s Week 9 Madrid game at Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. Joe Burrow threw for three touchdowns, rushed for another and guided Cincinnati to its fourth consecutive victory.

Burrow completed 24 of 29 passes for 271 yards, continuing his outstanding stretch after throwing five touchdown passes and rushing for another score in last week’s 43-36 victory over the Tennessee Titans. The Bengals improved to 6-2, while Atlanta dropped to 3-6 with its second consecutive loss.

Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins provided Burrow with plenty of help, combining for three touchdown receptions. Chase finished with 10 catches for 155 yards and a touchdown, while Higgins added two touchdown receptions.

Chase and Higgins Lead Cincinnati’s Passing Attack

Chase delivered a career-high first half in receptions and receiving yards, finishing the opening 30 minutes with eight catches for 142 yards. His biggest moment came in the first quarter when he hauled in a 47-yard touchdown reception from Burrow. Following the score, Chase and Higgins celebrated with a bullfighting routine that entertained the Madrid crowd. Higgins mimicked a charging bull by placing his hands beside his head, while Chase played the matador with an imaginary cape.

Burrow also embraced the international atmosphere, appearing to imitate a celebration by Brazilian soccer star Neymar after scoring a rushing touchdown. The quarterback held his hands beside his helmet and wiggled his fingers. The Bengals’ offense was nearly unstoppable before halftime. Cincinnati scored on every possession in the opening half, recording three touchdowns and a field goal, with the final score coming in the closing seconds.

The Bengals failed to convert on third down only once before halftime and did not punt until their first possession of the second half. Cincinnati has now scored at least 30 points in four consecutive games for the first time since 1997, matching a franchise record.

Falcons Struggle to Keep Pace

Atlanta quarterback Michael Penix Jr. showed improvement after a difficult performance in last week’s 16-0 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but the Falcons struggled to keep pace with Cincinnati’s explosive offense. Penix completed 20 of 31 passes for 162 yards with one touchdown and one interception. He also contributed 50 rushing yards.

His opening-drive touchdown pass to tight end Charlie Woerner gave Atlanta an early offensive highlight, but the Falcons could not maintain that momentum. Penix’s late interception further complicated the comeback effort.

Running back Bijan Robinson provided Atlanta’s most consistent offensive production. Robinson opened the game with 42 rushing yards on three carries during the Falcons’ first possession and finished with 100 yards and a touchdown on 19 carries. He also caught six passes for 47 yards. Atlanta’s offense had difficulty generating enough consistent production to challenge the Bengals after Cincinnati established control.

NFL Makes Second Regular Season Trip to Madrid

Sunday’s matchup marked the second NFL regular-season game played in Madrid. The Miami Dolphins defeated the Washington Commanders 16-13 in overtime in last year’s inaugural game in Spain. The matchup was also the seventh contest in the NFL’s record nine-game international schedule this season. The remaining international games will take place in Munich, Germany, and Mexico City.

A crowd of 78,660 attended Sunday’s game at the Bernabeu, with Bengals supporters appearing to outnumber Falcons fans in the Spanish capital. The game featured several memorable moments beyond the action on the field. The stadium lights suddenly went out with the Bengals preparing to snap the ball inside the final two minutes, forcing officials to replay the down.

Early in the contest, several Cincinnati defensive players also appeared to switch to longer spikes after the opening drive to adjust to the grass surface at the Bernabeu. The victory was particularly meaningful for Cincinnati, marking the franchise’s first win in an international game. The Bengals previously tied Washington in London in 2016 and lost to the Los Angeles Rams in London in 2019.

Special Tributes and Entertainment Highlight Madrid Game

Before kickoff, a moment of silence was observed in tribute to the victims of the high-speed train crash in central Spain on Oct. 28, which killed 69 people, including four Americans. Spain’s men’s and women’s World Cup trophies were displayed on the field, with members of the national soccer teams also in attendance. Former Real Madrid and Brazilian soccer star Roberto Carlos sounded the train horn during Atlanta’s traditional pregame celebration.

Colombian music star Manuel Turizo headlined the halftime entertainment, adding another international touch to the NFL’s latest overseas showcase. Falcons edge rusher James Pearce Jr. also returned from an eight-game suspension for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy. However, his playing time was limited after dealing with a back issue during Friday’s practice. He had been listed as questionable entering the game.

Up Coming NFL Games for the Bengals and Falcons

The Bengals will return home for a major AFC North matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, Nov. 15, in a nationally televised Sunday Night Football contest. The Falcons will also return home, where they will host the Kansas City Chiefs next Sunday as they attempt to snap their two-game losing streak. For Cincinnati, the victory in Madrid continues an impressive offensive run and provides another boost to its playoff ambitions as the Bengals carry a four-game winning streak into the next phase of their schedule.