Bengals extend winning streak with 34-17 win in Madrid
Cincinnati’s offense scored 30 points for the fourth straight game, while Atlanta suffered its second consecutive loss in front of a crowd of 78,660.
By Rebecca Foster ·
The Cincinnati Bengals defeated the Atlanta Falcons 34-17 on Sunday at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid. The victory marked Cincinnati’s fourth consecutive win and extended a recent offensive surge that has defined the team’s current form.
Joe Burrow completed 24 of 29 pass attempts for 271 yards and three touchdowns. He also rushed for a fourth touchdown. This performance followed a previous outing where Burrow threw five touchdown passes and added a rushing score in overtime against the Tennessee Titans. The Bengals have now scored at least 30 points in four straight games, a streak that matches their best run since 1997.
Ja’Marr Chase led the receiving corps with 10 catches for 155 yards and a touchdown. He recorded eight of those receptions in the first half for 142 yards. Tee Higgins contributed with two touchdown catches. The duo also engaged in a distinctive celebration after a 47-yard touchdown pass to Chase in the first quarter, mimicking a bullfighting scene.
For Atlanta, quarterback Michael Penix Jr. attempted to improve upon his performance in a 16-0 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers the prior week. Playing under the closed roof of the Bernabeu, Penix completed 20 of 31 passes for 162 yards. He rushed for 50 yards and threw one touchdown pass to tight end Charlie Woerner on the opening drive. However, he also threw a late interception, contributing to the Falcons’ second straight defeat.
Bijan Robinson carried the ball 19 times for 100 rushing yards and a touchdown. He also caught six passes for 47 yards. The Falcons’ offense managed momentum early, with Robinson gaining 42 yards on the first drive, but the defense could not contain Cincinnati’s attack for the full duration of the game.
The game drew a crowd of 78,660 spectators, with Bengals supporters appearing to outnumber Falcons fans. This contest represented the second NFL regular-season game played in Madrid, following an inaugural event last year where the Miami Dolphins defeated the Washington Commanders 16-13 in overtime. The fixture was the seventh of nine scheduled international games this season.
A lighting malfunction occurred just before the final two minutes of play. The stadium lights went out as the Bengals were preparing to take a snap inside their own territory. Officials stopped the game and replayed the down after the power was restored.
