Bengals fans took over Madrid, now turn Paycor into a playoff atmosphere vs. Steelers

The Cincinnati Bengals traveled to Madrid, Spain, and returned with a 34-17 victory over the Atlanta Falcons. But the game was more than a matchup between the Bengals and the Falcons. It was a weeklong event that thousands of Bengals fans joined.

Bengals fans came from all over the world, with the largest contingent traveling from Cincinnati to Madrid to root for their hometown team in a foreign land.

In the end, it felt much more like a home game for the Bengals in the stadium and for those watching on TV. 

And a similar atmosphere is expected at Paycor Stadium on Sunday as the Bengals take on rival Steelers in a short turnaround for the team and fans, while Pittsburgh comes off a bye week with first place in the AFC North on the line.

Who Dey ruled Madrid

The Bernabéu Stadium in Spain’s capital had the feel of a Super Bowl crowd. That was how several media members felt after the game. As NBC’s and Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio pointed out, “Those international games have a playoff, if not, mini Super Bowl feel.”

That sentiment would have been correct if not for the takeover by Cincinnati Bengals fans descending on Spain’s capital. 

Sure, Falcons fans were there, along with thousands of international onlookers, to have a memorable time with others who shared their NFL fandom. However, the vast majority of the in-person audience donned orange and black.

Even before kickoff, the restaurants, bars, and streets were packed with Bengals fans all week. 

Every time someone rocking Bengals gear saw another fan out in the wild, they couldn't help but say "Who Dey?!" as they crossed paths, only to possibly meet again at one of the capital's watering holes.  

But fans weren't the only recognizable faces out and about in Madrid, as the coaches and players also took in what the city had to offer with their friends and family. 

And if you were a lucky fan, you got to take a few pictures with them also. 

And who knows. Some of those international Bengals fans, like that young kid who got the ball from Tee Higgins after a touchdown in the now-viral moment, could be in attendance the next time the team plays abroad or in the Queen City and help Cincinnati cheer the team on against the Steelers. 

Where to in the world, next?

Last week in Madrid, the game on Sunday versus the Falcons was such a success that one of the first talking points after the victory was discussing where in the world the men in stripes will play next year, and whether we will find Carmen Sandiego there.

A couple of spots that were mentioned were Tokyo and Mexico. Other options include Brazil and Germany, although Joe Burrow seemed excited about the prospects of playing in Japan. 

Some of us left on this side of the pond hope the Bengals will play in Paris, France, sooner rather than later. However, if and when the NFL returns to the City of Lights, the New Orleans Saints will be the home team, reducing the odds of the Bengals playing here next year if only one game is in the works.  

Nevertheless, wherever the Bengals show up internationally, Cincinnati fans have proven they will travel in droves and make the atmosphere electric.

That's just kind of what we do as Cincinnatians. 

First, Madrid to Paycor

Before we get too far ahead of ourselves, though, the team will need the fans' help once again as the Bengals take on the Steelers on Sunday Night Football.

We know quarterback Joe Burrow is going to come out and show off with the primetime lights and NFL stage just for him and his teammates. Still, they would love to see Paycor Stadium maxed out to capacity and deafeningly loud when they take on the rival Steelers.

If the game in Madrid felt like a Super Bowl, Sunday's matchup should feel like a home playoff game.

Coming off a transatlantic trip and a modified practice schedule, the Bengals will want, and perhaps even need, to fill the excitement coming through their fans. 

Bengals fans ruled Madrid. Now they must rule the Jungle. And we have no doubt that’s exactly what they will get from fans on Sunday night.

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