What happened: ESPN broadcaster Louis Riddick commended the venue atmosphere at Santiago Bernabéu following the NFL's regular-season matchup in Spain. The contest featured the Cincinnati Bengals and Atlanta Falcons as part of the league's 2026 international schedule. Cincinnati secured a fourth consecutive victory to improve to 6-2.

Why it matters: The Madrid fixture marked another step in the NFL's European expansion, utilizing Real Madrid's renovated stadium for regular-season play. Positive reception from broadcasters and traveling personnel supports the league's ongoing investment in neutral-site overseas dates.

What to watch: Cincinnati returns stateside for Week 10 action seeking to extend its winning streak. The NFL will continue evaluating European venues ahead of future international scheduling.