ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Fans in the D.C. region woke up to an unusual NFL Sunday, swapping wings and beer for coffee and breakfast as the Washington Commanders played the league’s first-ever game in Spain.

The team faced the Miami Dolphins in Madrid, but the early kickoff didn’t keep local supporters from packing the Crystal City Sports Pub.

“I’ve been a fan since junior high school. I grew up in D.C., been here through all the ups and downs,” said Gloria Harrison, who arrived with a group of friends. “We travel together, we laugh together, we cry together.”

Harrison said she thought she’d beat the morning rush, but dozens of fans had the same idea, filling the bar’s upper level as the game got underway.

“Incredibly excited, that’s why I was trying to go,” Mark Latsios said.

Co-owner Jimmy

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