Bengals and Falcons prepare for NFL game at Madrid's Bernabéu on Sunday, 8 November

Pitch and stadium changes

The Santiago Bernabéu is being converted for Sunday's game, which kicks off at 15:30 Madrid time between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Atlanta Falcons. The field has gained 12 metres, six at each end, to reach the 110 metres the NFL requires, and some of the first rows of seats were removed to make room. The soccer goals have been replaced by yellow Y-shaped uprights, and the football lines have given way to yard markings and end zones. A team of 14 workers from the United States is preparing the hybrid surface alongside Real Madrid staff. The turf will be replaced after the game so Real Madrid can open its next home match on a new surface.

Locker rooms and routine

The most significant changes are out of sight, inside the stadium. The Falcons will use a custom-built locker room, while the Bengals will dress in the room where Real Madrid players normally change. The league said the 25 lockers in the visitors' room would not cover the Falcons' 60 or 63 players on matchday, so temporary lockers have been added. Taylor said the plan centres on keeping the week as close to normal as possible.

“One above all is keeping the schedule as close to our routine as possible,”

The Bengals practiced in Cincinnati on Tuesday, 3 November, then flew over and arrived in Madrid on Wednesday, 4 November, giving the squad that day off to adjust. Their first session in Spain took place on Thursday, 5 November, at the Spanish national team's training facilities in Las Rozas. A second practice is scheduled for Friday, 6 November, at the RFEF complex, while the Falcons train at Real Madrid's training complex.

The coach's view

Taylor, the Bengals head coach, said he had looked for the World Cup trophy at Spain's national team headquarters but was told it is touring the country. Spain won its second World Cup title in July in the United States. Taylor said he was excited about the chance to play at the Bernabéu:

“I know the tradition of soccer here is unbelievable.”

He has also urged Spanish fans to wear Bengals gear and shout the team's 'Who Dey' chant. Tee Higgins was seen walking around the Plaza Mayor on Wednesday, after Taylor encouraged players to explore the city. Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski said on Wednesday that he knew little about the stadium's history but had great respect for Real Madrid.

What is at stake

The Bengals enter the game at 5-2 and the Falcons at 3-5. Joe Burrow was coming off a standout performance, and Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins are also in form. Bijan Robinson has gained more yards than any other running back this season, while the Bengals allow 4.8 yards per carry, the fourth-worst figure in the league. Taylor said the trip should not change how the team approaches the game:

“This game is going to count the same as all the others, so shame on us if we are not prepared.”

Sunday's game is the seventh of nine regular-season NFL games outside the United States this season and the second regular-season game in Spain, after the Dolphins and Commanders played there last year. Kickoff is at 15:30 Madrid time on Sunday, 8 November.