A year after the debut with the Dolphins and Commanders, the NFL returned to the Bernabeu and the verdict in the locker rooms was almost unanimous. The Cincinnati Bengals took the win against the Atlanta Falcons, who were acting as the home team, but, beyond the scoreline, winners and losers left Real Madrid's stadium speaking wonders of the venue, the stands, and a week in Madrid that many will not forget.

Not even defeat wiped the smile off Kevin Stefanski’s face. The Falcons coach wanted to begin his press conference by giving thanks. "The experience was incredible. I mean the way this country, this city, Real Madrid have treated us, in short, we have been very fortunate and blessed. I want everyone to know how grateful I am for this, for how they have treated us," he explained.

The coach did not hold back in praising the stadium and the fans: "I think this stadium and the whole experience were first-rate, first-class, whatever. The fans were incredible. I thought they were incredible all week long. So the experience and the one on game day were exceptional".

Their quarterback, Michael Penix Jr., delivered one of the afternoon's standout quotes by ranking the Bernabeu second only to his own home, Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium: "After the Benz, it's the best stadium. It's impressive. It was a beautiful stadium. It was great to be able to play there. It's a beautiful, beautiful, beautiful stadium".

After the Benz, it's the best stadium

Michael Penix Jr.

A once-in-a-lifetime experience

On the winning side, Zac Taylor also surrendered to the white coliseum. "Impressive. The crowd was incredible. Being in that stadium is a once-in-a-lifetime experience," summarized the Bengals coach, who found only one drawback in the entire organization: "Everyone involved in this game here in Madrid did an excellent job, treating us wonderfully and solving any unforeseen issue. Except for the blackout during a play, I think everything was very well organized. No one else has been part of this, so it's great to be able to say that we have too."

Taylor also left the door open to coming back: "We're having a great time here in Madrid. We would definitely come back if they wanted to host us for a game. A fantastic experience. I think it's a great first impression for all of us in Madrid, Spain."

Joe Burrow, leader of Cincinnati's offense, enjoyed the show as much as the crowd: "I feel great. I loved playing in this stadium. The atmosphere is fantastic. I really enjoyed putting on a good show for the people of Spain, and I was happy to be here".

An incomparable city

The week in Madrid also left its mark off the field. Ja"Marr Chase was won over by the food: "What I remember most from when I was here with my family was the food. My family is from New Orleans, so we place a lot of importance on food. So we went to four or five restaurants to make sure."

His teammate Tee Higgins preferred to look up: "I learned many things, but I can tell you that what I liked most was the architecture of the buildings. It was truly impressive. Then I went to the Temple of Debod and watched the sunset. That was, without a doubt, one of my favorite memories of this place".

What I liked most was the architecture of the buildings

Tee Higgins

For Barrett Carter, the game had a special flavor in two ways, since he was facing the team from his hometown. "It was really fun to play here. I know we have the best fans in the world, but coming to Madrid is a long trip. It was special to see their support and how they showed up; they cheered us on very loudly," said the Bengals linebacker, who also had words for the host: "I really appreciate Real Madrid welcoming us with open arms, allowing us to adapt to their culture".

And he concluded with a remark that sums up the feelings of the entire expedition: "Madrid is a beautiful place, and I’m glad we were able to get out and visit it and explore it. But, as I said, when it was time to work, we worked. I think we showed that a little today on the field".