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Commanders gain momentum with first touchdown in Spain

Nov 16, 2025, 3:59 PM20
(Update: Nov 16, 2025, 5:11 PM)
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Commanders gain momentum with first touchdown in Spain

  • The game in Madrid was a defensive battle with multiple field goals and no touchdowns in the first half.
  • Deebo Samuel scored the first touchdown of the game in the early third quarter, giving Commanders a 13-6 lead.
  • The Commanders' defense held strong, denying the Dolphins a touchdown on a crucial fourth down.
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Story

In Madrid, Spain, fans gathered to witness an NFL matchup between the Washington Commanders and the Miami Dolphins, held in the home stadium of Real Madrid. The game began with both teams struggling to find their offensive rhythm, leading to a series of field goal attempts instead of touchdowns. By halftime, both teams had managed to score just six points each, resulting in a 6-6 tie as players retreated to the locker rooms for a break. As the second half unfolded, the atmosphere shifted when Deebo Samuel made a significant play early on. He received a short pass from quarterback Marcus Mariota and broke through the Dolphins' defense for a 20-yard touchdown, marking a turning point in the game. The Commanders took the lead at 13-6, and Samuel emerged as a key player, becoming the game's leading receiver with five receptions for 49 yards. This offensive surge energized the Commanders, who were gaining momentum on their home turf. Despite the touchdown, the Dolphins made efforts to respond immediately. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa led a drive down the field, but the team's hopes of equalizing were dashed when they failed to convert a key fourth-and-goal situation at the 2-yard line, resulting in a turnover that allowed the Commanders to maintain their lead. The game continued to showcase a contrast between the two offenses and the fan experience, as spectators were witnessing a more conservative, methodical style of play typical of international NFL games. The history of organizing NFL events abroad often includes less thrilling displays of football, with this matchup being no different. Eventually, as the game progressed, fans in attendance reflected on the nature of the contest, appreciating any big plays that broke the trend of low scoring. The final outcome of the game was still pending as the teams battled through the remainder of the half.

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