In the NFL's first-ever regular season game in Spain, the ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ defeated the Washington Commanders 16–13 in overtime Sunday at Bernabéu Stadium. On the first play of overtime, cornerback Jack Jones intercepted Washington quarterback Marcus Mariota, setting up kicker Riley Patterson's walk-off field goal four plays later. The win marked Miami's third victory in its last four games and delivered the franchise a milestone moment on an international stage.
Miami opened the afternoon with a sharp, balanced drive. Running back De'Von Achane ripped off gains of 11 and 23 yards, while quarterback Tua Tagovailoa found wide receiver Jaylen Waddle for 14 yards and tight end Greg Dulcich for another four. The Dolphins moved comfortably into scoring position and struck first with a 46-yard field goal from Patterson to take a 3–0 lead.
Washington answered with a 13-play march into the Miami red zone, but the Dolphins defense held strong on third down. Safety Minkah Fitzpatrick and linebacker Jordyn Brooks combined to drop quarterback Marcus Mariota for a 1-yard loss, forcing the Commanders to settle for a field goal that tied the game, 3–3, late in the first quarter.
Miami's next possession continued into the second quarter and again leaned on Achane's consistency. Tagovailoa opened the drive with completions to Achane and Dulcich, then the third-year back broke free for a 15-yard pickup. Tagovailoa started the game 6-for-6 before his first incompletion came with just over 12 minutes remaining in the half. Patterson later connected from 39 yards to give Miami a 6–3 advantage and close an 11-play, 56-yard drive.
Linebacker Tyrel Dodson delivered one of the defense's biggest first-half highlights, sacking Mariota for a 6-yard loss on third down — his fourth sack of the season. Washington kicker Matt Gay missed the ensuing 51-yard field-goal attempt, giving Miami the ball back near midfield. The Dolphins were forced to punt on the next drive and the Commanders closed the half with a 30-yard field goal to tie the score at 6–6 going into the half.
The Commanders opened the second half aggressively, driving 59 yards in just over three minutes before Mariota connected with wide receiver Deebo Samuel for a 20-yard touchdown, giving Washington its first lead of the day, 13–6.
Miami responded immediately. Tagovailoa hit Waddle for a 31-yard strike and followed it up with a 14-yard completion to tight end Julian Hill. Achane and running back Ollie Gordon II helped march the ball to the 1-yard line, but a fourth-down pass to Waddle fell incomplete, keeping the Dolphins off the board.
After a defensive stop, Miami regained possession late in the third quarter and drove into the red zone with completions to wide receiver Malik Washington of 13 and 11 yards. The drive carried into the fourth quarter, where Achane and Gordon took over. Achane powered inside the 5-yard line with a 7-yard run, and Gordon punched in a 1-yard touchdown, the third of his career, to tie the game at 13–13 with 12:38 remaining.
The Commanders threatened to retake the lead after Mariota broke free for a 44-yard run, but Miami's defense responded again. The Dolphins delivered critical stops at the goal line, forcing a turnover on downs with 6:03 left to play.
Pinned at their own 2-yard line, Miami's offense stalled on the next series. With 4:20 remaining in the game, punter Jake Bailey flipped the field with a 51-yard punt. Washington's returner, Mike Sainristil, muffed the catch and was recovered by cornerback Ethan Bonner, giving the Dolphins a pivotal momentum shift and possession at the Commanders' 42-yard line.
Achane carried Miami deep into Washington territory again, rushing for 40 yards on five straight attempts to reach the 1-yard line. But the Dolphins were denied on both third and fourth down, turning the ball over with just under 2:00 remaining in regulation.
Washington moved quickly and set up a 56-yard field-goal attempt with 15 seconds left, but Gay's kick sailed wide right, sending the inaugural Madrid game to overtime.
In overtime, Miami opted to begin on defense and the choice paid off immediately. On the first play, Jones intercepted Mariota at the Washington 40-yard line and returned it seven yards, setting the stage for Achane to finish the job. The third-year back churned out runs of 10, four, and eight yards to push the Dolphins to the 11-yard line. Patterson drilled a 29-yard field goal to secure the victory.
Tagovailoa finished 14-of-20 for 171 yards. Achane delivered another standout performance with 120 rushing yards on 21 carries and 45 receiving yards on five catches — his second straight 100-yard rushing game and third of the season. Waddle led Miami with 52 receiving yards, while Gordon added 45 yards and a touchdown on the ground.
Defensively, Brooks was dominant with 20 tackles (10 solo), pushing his league-leading solo tackles total to 71. Dodson added 11 tackles (three solo) and his fourth sack of the season, while Fitzpatrick and safety Ashtyn Davis each tallied seven tackles. Rookie defensive tackle Zeek Biggers added seven tackles (three solo), while linebacker Bradley Chubb contributed two tackles (one solo) and two QB hits.
For Washington, Mariota went 20-of-30 for 213 yards with one touchdown and one interception. Running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. rushed for 79 yards, and Samuel led all receivers with 74 yards and a touchdown.
The Dolphins have their bye week in Week 12 and will return home to host the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, Nov. 30, at Hard Rock Stadium. Kickoff is set for 1:00 p.m. EST, with coverage on FOX.
