MADRID (AP) — Madrid’s famous soccer rivalry takes on a new twist as the NFL prepares for its final international game of the season in the Spanish capital.
Fierce rivals Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid find themselves on opposite sides once again as preparations ramp up for Sunday’s matchup between the Miami Dolphins and the Washington Commanders. The Dolphins are the designated home team for the game, which will be played at Real Madrid’s iconic Santiago Bernabeu stadium. However, Mike McDaniel’s team is practicing at Atletico’s Riyadh Air Metropolitano stadium throughout the week, while the Commanders are training at Real Madrid’s training center, located about 15 minutes away from the Metropolitano.
“Are you trying to throw me square in the middle of a rivalry?” McDaniel joked when asked about training in the opposing club’s facility. “I’ve yet to be to the stadium that we are playing the game at, but so far here, very impressed. You can tell it’s first class, for sure. We feel very fortunate to be able to have access to a facility like this.”
Adding another layer to the mix, Commanders coach Dan Quinn gave a nod to the Madrid Bravos, the city’s American football franchise established in 2023 to compete in the European League of Football (ELF). Speaking at Wednesday’s news conference, Quinn wore a No. 12 Bravos jersey as he acknowledged the local team.
The Commanders also took advantage of the Bravos’ facilities for a brief workout before their full practice session at Real Madrid’s training center.
“A big thanks to everybody here at Real Madrid,” Quinn said. “What an awesome spot these guys have here to allow us to come and practice. It’s a great set up.”
Interestingly, Real Madrid had reportedly expressed interest in hosting the Dolphins’ training sessions, but Miami ultimately chose Atletico’s stadium. With some shared ownership ties between the clubs, the Dolphins emphasized that politics did not play a role in their decision.
### Team Partnerships and Global Outreach
The Dolphins have highlighted their partnerships both with Real Madrid — as the stadium host for the first NFL game in Spain — and with the Madrid Bravos. The collaboration between these teams has extended to joint activities designed to promote the game.
Miami is one of three NFL teams holding marketing rights in Spain under the league’s Global Markets Program, alongside the Chicago Bears and the Kansas City Chiefs.
“Our team is very demanding, and a couple of trips were made to Spain to visit the facilities,” said Felipe Formiga, Dolphins vice president of international development. “The Metropolitano is incredible and it has everything we need. We are super happy to be able to practice through Saturday at the Metropolitano, and then to play at the Bernabeu on Sunday. We are experiencing two super iconic venues in Madrid and that’s really nice.”
Sunday’s game marks the seventh and final international game of the NFL’s record-setting season, underscoring the league’s ongoing commitment to expanding its global footprint.
### Madrid’s Storied Rivalry
Real Madrid is a record 15-time European champion and one of Spain’s top soccer clubs, sharing that prestige with Barcelona. Atletico Madrid is often considered the third powerhouse in the city but has frequently challenged those giants. Notably, Atletico lost two UEFA Champions League finals to Real Madrid in 2014 and 2016, fueling one of the sport’s fiercest rivalries.
As NFL action prepares to unfold in Madrid, the city’s rich sports traditions and rivalries provide a unique backdrop for this historic international game.
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© Associated Press 2024
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