Thousands flock to Madrid as Real celebrate title

Image
AFP Madrid
Last Updated : May 22 2017 | 9:48 AM IST
Thousands of Real Madrid fans, many decked in the famous white team jersey, converged in the centre of the Spanish capital to celebrate the club's 33rd league title after a 2-0 win over Malaga.
Elated fans cheered and lit flares when the squad arrived on an open-top bus bearing the word "Campeones" (champions) on the side at the club's traditional celebration spot, the Plaza de Cibeles, as confetti rained down.
Team captain Sergio Ramos and other players decked in white shirts with the number 33 on the back filmed the crowd with mobile phones from the top of the bus, which was escorted by police on horseback.
Ramos took to a walkway over the plaza's fountain and draped the statue of the goddess Cybele with the club flag just before 3:00 am (0100 GMT) as Queen's anthem "We Are the Champions" blared out from loudspeakers.
Real Madrid left-back Marcelo then tied a team scarf around the statue as the crowd cheered.
"We have to win the Champions League now. We are counting on all of your support. Let's Go! Thank you very much," Portuguese striker Cristiano Ronaldo said atop the walkway before singing along with the crowd.
Ronaldo and French striker Karim Benzema scored the two goals which gave Real their win over Malaga and their first Spanish league title since 2012.
The club will pursue a third UEFA Champions League victory in four seasons in the final against Juventus, who on Sunday secured third successive Serie A and Coppa Italia double, in Cardiff on June 3.
"This is great and on June 3 against Juventus it will be even better," said 37-year-old Real supporter Emilio Guillen as he celebrated with friends at Plaza de Cibeles.
If Real win the Champions League, it would be the club's first La Liga and European champions cup double in nearly six decades.
Many fans heaped praise on Real coach Zinedine Zidane, the former French international who took over the club for his first head coaching job less than two years ago.
"Hiring Zidane was the best decision Real has made in a long time," said Alfredo Cordero, 36, who had a club flag drapped over his back and carried a large plastic cup of sangria.
The team will be welcomed to Madrid city hall on Monday for a ceremony to celebrate their Spanish league win.
"They are players of a very high quality, so I don't have to say more. I am a Real Madrid fan and I am thrilled," said 31-year-old Real supporter Alvaro Morales.

Disclaimer: No Business Standard Journalist was involved in creation of this content

*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: May 22 2017 | 9:48 AM IST

Next Story