The NFL’s first regular-season game in Spain delivered drama worthy of the iconic Santiago Bernabéu. Miami Dolphins cornerback Jack Jones jumped a route on the first offensive play of overtime, intercepting Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota and setting up Riley Patterson’s 29-yard field goal to secure a 16–13 Miami victory on Sunday.
The walk-off kick capped a tense, mistake-filled, and often chaotic afternoon in front of 78,610 fans — with halftime performances by global stars Daddy Yankee and Bizarrap underscoring the league’s push to expand its international footprint. The Madrid matchup marked the seventh and final international game of the season, the most in NFL history.
The Commanders (3–8) had an opportunity to win in regulation and snap their now six-game losing streak, but Matt Gay’s 56-yard attempt with 15 seconds left sailed wide right. Gay, who had expressed excitement about kicking at the Bernabéu, missed two of his four attempts on the day.
Moments later, Washington’s hopes vanished when Jones cut in front of tight end Zach Ertz on a quick route, snatching Mariota’s pass and racing 15 yards to put the Dolphins (4–7) instantly in scoring range. Patterson ended the game four plays later.
The afternoon featured seven scoring drives but just two touchdowns, with each team repeatedly failing to punch the ball in near the goal line.
Miami was stopped twice on fourth-and-goal — once early in the second half and again inside the final two minutes after recovering a muffed punt by Washington’s Mike Sainristil. Both times, the Commanders’ defensive front held firm, including a goal-line stonewall of Ollie Gordon from the 1-yard line with 1:41 remaining.
Washington had its own frustrations. After opening the third quarter with a methodical touchdown drive — capped by Deebo Samuel’s 20-yard catch-and-run off a well-executed screen — the Commanders found themselves on the doorstep again late in the fourth. Following Mariota’s 44-yard burst moments after he cleared concussion evaluation, Washington reached the Miami 1. But on fourth-and-goal, Ertz tripped on his route and the pass fell incomplete.
Miami leaned heavily on De’Von Achane, who delivered another electric performance with 120 rushing yards on 21 carries and 45 receiving yards on five catches. His burst repeatedly shifted field position as Miami’s passing game remained conservative.
Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa went 14 of 20 for 171 yards — efficient but without a touchdown or interception. Miami’s lone touchdown came on a 1-yard run from Gordon midway through the third quarter.
Mariota, starting again in place of injured rookie Jayden Daniels, played one of his grittiest games of the season. He completed 20 of 30 passes for 213 yards, threw one touchdown, and rushed for 49 yards. His long run late in the fourth nearly set up a go-ahead score, but red zone execution betrayed Washington at critical moments.
Chris Rodríguez added 49 rushing yards, and Samuel led Washington receivers with 74.
Miami linebacker Andrew Brooks had a monster day with 20 total tackles, anchoring a defense that repeatedly bent but didn’t break. His pursuit helped slow Mariota’s scrambling lanes outside of the late 44-yard burst.
Jack Jones’ interception in overtime was Miami’s only takeaway — but it proved decisive.
The NFL’s push into Spain was met with an enthusiastic response as fans filled Real Madrid’s gleaming stadium. Energy surged during the halftime show as Daddy Yankee and Bizarrap brought Latin flair to a landmark moment in the league’s global strategy.
On the field, both teams produced an unpredictable and tension-filled contest that came down to kicking woes, goal-line stands, and one overtime mistake.
Dolphins: Bye week before hosting the New Orleans Saints on Nov. 30. Commanders: Bye week before hosting the Denver Broncos on Nov. 30.
Miami leaves Madrid with momentum and back-to-back wins, while Washington heads into the bye searching for answers — and still waiting for Jayden Daniels to return.
