The Cincinnati Bengals made sure their trip to Spain came with a local touch, as the team's biggest stars delivered themed touchdown celebrations during Sunday's game against the Atlanta Falcons in Madrid.
Quarterback Joe Burrow and wide receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins headlined the festivities, turning their trips to the end zone into tributes befitting the setting at the historic Santiago Bernabeu, home of Real Madrid.
The show began on Cincinnati's first offensive drive of the game, when Chase hauled in a 47-yard touchdown pass from Burrow. Chase then took on the role of a matador while Higgins played along, mimicking a charging bull running in his teammate's direction.
The bullfighting routine drew loud cheers from the crowd packed into the famed stadium, one of the most iconic venues in world soccer.
One drive later, it was Burrow's turn to acknowledge the venue. After scoring on a quarterback sneak, the Bengals signal caller rose to his feet, placed his hands to the side of his helmet and wiggled them.
The gesture was a nod to the signature celebration of Brazilian soccer star Neymar Jr., who starred for years with Barcelona, Real Madrid's archrival in Spain's top flight.
The league brought the Bengals and Falcons across the Atlantic to put some of its biggest names in front of an international audience. Cincinnati's offensive trio delivered on that promise, while Atlanta running back Bijan Robinson also drew some of the loudest reactions of the day from the fans in attendance.
For those who made it inside the Bernabeu on Sunday, the game offered exactly what the NFL had hoped for: a showcase of star power with a distinctly Spanish accent.
