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          LaLiga stars old and new enjoy first NFL game in Madrid

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          Why Federico Valverde's injury is a problem for Real Madrid (1:13)

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          • ESPN
          Nov 17, 2025, 05:27 AM ET

          LaLiga's stars turned out in force for the NFL matchup between the Washington Commanders and Miami Dolphins at the Bernabéu Stadium on Sunday -- a milestone in NFL history, as it was the first time a regular-season game had been held in Spain.

          The Bernabéu underwent quite a transformation beforehand, as Real Madrid were proud to show off.

          Before the game, Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez and former coach Zinedine Zidane met up -- alongside Isabel Díaz Ayuso, the president of the Community of Madrid, and José Luis Martínez Almeida, the mayor of Madrid -- posed for photos, chatted and exchanged a few warm gestures. Zidane was the NFL's guest of honor to toss the coin to start things off.

          Other current players who attended the game included Atletico Madrid's Antoine Griezmann (who is a big fan of American sports) and Koke.

          Madrid defender Antonio Rüdiger also made it.

          And so did former Madrid forward and now-Fenerbahce star Marco Asensio.

          There was also room for some former greats as Madrid legends Iker Casillas and Guti, both now retired, who also came along. And Casillas had the chance to catch up with Mexico legend Memo Ochoa.

          Musical artists performing during the halftime show included Daddy Yankee and Bizarrap, while it was the seventh and last international game of the season for the NFL, which will be heading to Mexico City next year.

          The game was won by the Dolphins in overtime, 16-13, thanks to a 29-yard field goal by Riley Patterson. But, before that, Dolphins star Jack Jones celebrated a key interception in the only way he could in the Bernabéu: by copying Cristiano Ronaldo's famous "SIU" celebration.

          What a day for all concerned.