Real Madrid left fuming as Atletico Madrid arrange sneaky deal to host Miami Dolphins training and merchandising ahead of NFL clash against Washington Commanders at Bernabeu

On November 16, 2025, the Santiago Bernabeu, home to Real Madrid, will host a landmark NFL fixture – the first-ever regular season American football game played in Spain – as the Miami Dolphins take on the Washington Commanders. The event marks a major step in the NFL’s expansion into Europe as the Bernabeu follows in the footsteps of Wembley Stadium, which first held an NFL encounter in 2007.   

However, the buildup to this historic game has sparked off-field tensions between city rivals Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid. While Los Blancos had envisioned the entire event revolving around the Bernabeu, Los Colchoneros have quietly struck a deal to host the Dolphins at their Metropolitano Stadium throughout the week, according to Vozpopuli. The Dolphins will train there daily and hold press conferences at the nearby Canillejas-San Blas complex, much to the frustration of Real Madrid’s leadership.    

Despite efforts from Madrid president Florentino Perez’s camp to block the arrangement, the strong relationship between Atletico and the Dolphins prevailed. Atletico are now planning a high-profile week around the event, including the sale of official Dolphins merchandise at the official Atletico Madrid store and full access to their facilities. An agreement is expected to be struck in the coming days, per the report.   

Madrid will be facing Kazakh side Kairat Almaty in the Champions League on Tuesday, while Diego Simeone's side will take on Eintracht Frankfurt at the Metropolitano just a few hours after their rivals' game kicks off.