NFL lands in Spain: Dolphins clinch overtime thriller in electric atmosphere

The NFL’s long-anticipated first appearance in Spain delivered far more than a ceremonial showcase. What unfolded on Sunday November 16, at the Santiago Bernabéu in Madrid was a tense, grinding and unpredictable contest that kept 78,610 spectators on edge until the final kick.

In a match that could easily have swung either way, the Miami Dolphins edged the Washington Commanders 16–13 after Riley Patterson’s calmly struck overtime field goal sealed a landmark victory for the Florida side – their fourth of the season. Watch the video of the US national anthem below.

Spain’s NFL debut

The spectacle began long before kick-off. Madrid transformed into a sprawling celebration of American football, with jerseys from every corner of the league on display across the city. While Dolphins and Commanders fans arrived in proud delegations, the streets and metro stations were full of supporters sporting colours from the Patriots, Chiefs, Eagles and more. Inside a packed Bernabéu, the pre-match show – fireworks, music and a ceremonial coin toss involving Zinedine Zidane and Dolphins legend Dan Marino – symbolised a unique meeting between Spanish football heritage and the American game.

Miami strike first but struggle to pull away

Once play began, Miami wasted no time in electrifying their supporters. Running back De’Von Achane launched the opening drive with two explosive runs that sliced through Washington’s defence. Tua Tagovailoa’s first completed pass, a sharp strike to Jaylen Waddle, suggested early control from the Dolphins, yet the drive stalled and they settled for Riley Patterson’s kick – the first official NFL points ever scored in Spain.

Washington responded with boldness and a willingness to take risks. Marcus Mariota’s improvisation and a key short pass to Jack Yankoff helped set up Matt Gay’s first field goal, levelling the match. Miami nudged ahead again through Patterson, but neither side produced a dominant spell. Gay eventually matched Patterson once more on the stroke of half-time, sending the teams into a 6–6 deadlock at the break.

Commanders seize momentum after the restart

The second half opened with Washington’s most assured drive of the match. Mariota’s composure under pressure, combined with a fierce central run from Chris Rodríguez, set up the night’s most memorable moment. Deebo Samuel broke loose on a diagonal sweep to score the first touchdown ever celebrated at the Bernabéu. After 33 minutes without one, the stadium erupted as Washington took a 13–6 lead, and Miami found themselves under real pressure.

Yet the Dolphins answered with patience and precision. Achane returned to centre stage with determined runs around the edges of the Commanders’ defence, helping Miami advance steadily downfield. Their persistence paid off at Washington’s one-yard line, where running back Ollie Gordon muscled through the middle to tie the game at 13–13 and reignite Miami’s hopes.

Late drama pushes both teams to the limit

Washington’s next possession nearly delivered the winner. Mariota delivered the longest run of the evening, a thrilling 44-yard scramble reminiscent of his collegiate brilliance. From the shadow of Miami’s goal line, the Commanders rolled the dice once more on fourth down, but Miami held firm with a crucial defensive stand.

Pinned deep at their own one-yard line, the Dolphins faced a daunting task. A last-second audible from Tagovailoa freed Gordon for a vital gain, easing the tension. Miami eventually had to punt, but Sainristil misjudged the ball, fumbling it into Dolphins hands. It looked like the decisive turning point, yet the Commanders resisted again at the goal line, forcing Miami to settle for a final defensive push as the clock wound down.

Overtime glory for Miami as Patterson writes history

With seconds remaining in regulation, Washington launched a desperate final drive. Two crisp passes from Mariota moved them into long-range field-goal territory, but Gay’s daunting 56-yard attempt drifted wide under immense pressure. The Bernabéu, still buzzing, braced for overtime.

Mariota’s difficulties continued in the extra period. His first pass was intercepted by cornerback Jack Jones, handing Miami prime field position. A handful of controlled runs from Achane pushed the Dolphins comfortably into scoring range. From there, Riley Patterson stepped up with composure, sending the ball cleanly through the posts to seal a historic victory.

For the NFL, this event was everything it hoped for: tension, spectacle, a stadium at full capacity and a finale that underlined why the sport continues to grow internationally. Commissioner Roger Goodell has already confirmed the league will return to Spain next year – and after such a compelling debut in Madrid, fans will undoubtedly be ready for more.