Falcons start preparations for NFL game in Spain at home of soccer powerhouse Real Madrid

The Atlanta Falcons began preparing for their NFL game in Madrid on Wednesday at the training facility of Real Madrid. The Cincinnati Bengals started practicing Thursday at Spain’s World Cup champion facilities. Both teams traveled to the Spanish capital on Tuesday for Sunday’s matchup at Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, home of a record 15 European titles. Falcons coach Kevin Stefanski praised the facility and said the trip “is a huge undertaking,” while the NFL’s Spain country manager, Rafa de los Santos, said preparations are on track at the stadium and city levels. The event will include a tribute to victims of last week’s high-speed train crash that killed 69 people and injured dozens.