The NFL's return to Spain for a matchup between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Atlanta Falcons in Madrid was marked by an unusual disruption: a stadium-wide light malfunction.
In the fourth quarter of the game at the iconic Santiago Bernabeu stadium, home to Real Madrid C.F., the lights flickered and then went out completely for several seconds. The outage occurred just as the Bengals were attempting a second-down play following the two-minute warning.
Remarkably, the play, which resulted in a four-yard gain for Bengals running back Samaje Perine, was allowed to stand by officials. After a brief pause to ensure the lighting system was stable, the game resumed, and the Bengals were able to run out the clock to secure a 34-17 victory.
The stadium, which seats 81,000 and underwent extensive renovations before reopening in 2023, was hosting its second NFL game. The Bernabeu previously hosted the league's first-ever game in Spain last year, when the Miami Dolphins defeated the Washington Commanders in overtime.
The lights issue led to various reactions on social media, with fans making light of the situation. Some commented on the "lights out" performance by the Bengals offense, while others joked about the Falcons struggling to regain possession.
With the win, the Bengals improved their season record to 6-2, while the Falcons fell to 3-6. Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow passed for 271 yards and three touchdowns, with a significant portion of those yards going to wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase, who recorded 155 receiving yards.