The day finally arrived. The city of Madrid dressed up perfectly for the occasion, and NFL fever invaded the streets of the Spanish capital. Subway, buses, taxis, cars... every transportation method was flooded with fans who wanted to witness a once-in-a-lifetime event. Around the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Miami Dolphins and Washington Commanders jerseys decorated the surroundings of Real Madrid's legendary home with an explosion of color.

Thanks to the support of the local government, the organization of the event was impeccable, reminding everyone why Madrid is a reliable host for many of the world's biggest spectacles. They did not disappoint, and the center of the city held an NFL game for the very first time in Spanish history.

A strong NFL atmosphere

Since Friday (and for some even before), the city had been more American than ever. NFL fans from all around the world traveled specifically to Madrid to be present at this milestone game, one that represented not only an achievement for the league but also an important step in its global expansion. People from around the globe gathered in Madrid to experience something far bigger than a football game.

Every bar, restaurant, shopping center, local shop, and convenience store embraced the atmosphere. Team colors and badges were seen, televisions played NFL highlights on loop, and conversations shifted from tapas to touchdowns. Even Madrid's traditional cafés, known for their calm weekend mornings, buzzed with pre-game excitement as fans wore jerseys of nearly the 32 teams.

A big contribution for small businesses

Local stores reported an unusual appearance of foreign customers, each one eager to enjoy the city's culture before heading to the Bernabéu. The streets around Gran Vía, Puerta del Sol, and Plaza Mayor became fan zones, where chants erupted spontaneously and strangers exchanged predictions with each other like longtime friends.

And perhaps the most interesting and wholesome aspect of the weekend was the harmony between locals and visiting fans. Madrid residents - accustomed to hosting massive events - proudly opened their city to the NFL community, and American fans could not avoid mentioning how welcome they felt, with many stating that Madrid is a wonderful city with wonderful people and a spectacular stadium.

Inside the Bernabéu, that sentiment became even more evident. Spaniards and Americans mixed together, celebrating the moment, sharing food, photos, and stories as if they had known each other for years. The stadium, as sports reporter Joe Pompliano described it, was "easily the NFL's best international venue ever."

NFL passion in the Spanish capital

The NFL presence in Madrid was impossible to ignore. Giant billboards featuring the Dolphins and Commanders towered over the city's main avenues. Public transportation screens broadcast promotional clips. Many art pieces themed around American football decorated popular tourist routes. It wasn't just a football game or sports event - it was a cultural takeover Madrid embraced with enthusiasm and pride.

And as kickoff approached, the excitement only intensified. Families were seen excited in the surroundings, the subways were completely full, groups of friends carried flags waving above the crowd, and the sound of drums and trombones echoed through Castellana Avenue. The Bernabéu shone like a diamond long before sunset, calling thousands toward an event they knew they would remember for the rest of their lives.

Madrid has proven many times that it is ready to host any kind of event, whether sports-related or not - but surely, after today, it will become a regular destination for major American events overseas. Everyone was happy to be in Madrid, just as Madrid was happy to receive everyone. Without a doubt, one of the best cities the NFL could have chosen as they celebrated the arrival breaking all the expectations.