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The tone was set early by the team's primary offensive trio of Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins. Following an impressive 47-yard touchdown pass from Burrow on the opening drive, Chase and Higgins collaborated on a choreographed celebration that delighted the crowd. Chase assumed the role of a matador, while Higgins mimicked a charging bull, a nod to the traditional spectacle synonymous with the region.
Burrow channels Neymar in Madrid
The celebrations continued on the subsequent drive after Burrow successfully executed a quarterback sneak to reach the end zone. Upon rising, the quarterback performed a tribute to Brazilian football star Neymar Jr., placing his hands to the side of his helmet and wiggling them in a gesture frequently associated with the forward’s iconic goal celebrations during his time in Spain.
The NFL fixture was designed to showcase some of the league's most prominent talent to an international audience. Beyond the Bengals' offensive display, Atlanta running back Bijan Robinson also received significant support from the crowd throughout the contest. For those in attendance at the Santiago Bernabeu, the game provided a high-profile exhibition of league talent, highlighted by the Bengals' commitment to engaging with the local sporting heritage through their on-field theatrics.
