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Historic Finish in Madrid
In a landmark event for the league, the Miami Dolphins claimed a 16-13 overtime victory over the Washington Commanders in the first regular-season NFL game ever held in Spain, at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium in Madrid.
Miami struck first with a field goal to go up 3-0. Washington answered with their own long drive but were held to a field goal, tying it 3-3. At halftime the score was 6-6. Washington broke through with a touchdown: QB Marcus Mariota connected with WR Deebo Samuel on a 20-yard score to make it 13-6. Miami responded with a drive that ended in a 1-yard plunge by RB Ollie Gordon II to tie it at 13-13 in the fourth quarter. Miami recovered a muffed punt by the Commanders returner, giving them the ball at Washington's 42-yard line with 4:11 left. Despite that field position, the Dolphins were stopped from punching it in when they went for it on 4th and goal from the 1 and came up short. Washington answered with a drive to get the ball into position for a 56-yard field goal attempt with 15 seconds left but the kick was missed. Regulation ended tied. Choosing to defend first, the Dolphins got the perfect break: on the first play of OT, Jack Jones intercepted Mariota and returned it into Washington territory. On the ensuing drive, Miami leaned on their run game led by RB De'Von Achane to set up a 29-yard field goal by kicker Riley Patterson. The kick split the uprights, and the Dolphins took the win.
De'Von Achane had 120 rushing yards on 21 carries, plus another 45 receiving yards. His third 100-yard rushing game of the season. Jack Jones came up huge with the overtime interception, which essentially put the game away. Jordyn Brooks was dominant on defense with 20 tackles in the international setting. Marcus Mariota went 20-of-30, 213 yards, 1 TD, 1interception. Despite solid numbers, the turnover and red zone failures haunted his team. Deebo Samuel had 74 receiving yards and scored the only touchdown for Washington via the screen pass.
This game was a major milestone for the NFL's global expansion. The first regular season game played in Spain. For Miami, the win improves their record to 4-7 before the bye week. It gives them a little momentum. For Washington, the loss continues a tough stretch down to 3-8 and highlighted red zone inefficiencies and missed opportunities. The environment in Madrid added a unique flavor: the crowd, the setting at the historic Bernabéu stadium, the international stage all contributed to making this more than just a football game.
Written by: Daniel Torres
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