Four weeks after the Cibeles square was packed out to celebrate Real Madrid's La Liga triumph, thousands of fans once again descended on Madrid's city centre landmark on Monday night to welcome another open top bus parade.
This time, the Spanish Liga trophy had company in the form of Real Madrid's 14th European Cup, secured with a 1-0 win over Liverpool in the Champions League final at the Stade de France on Saturday.
The festivities began in a ceremony at Catedral de la Almudena, then the squad met with local authorities before parading through the city’s streets with the Champions League trophy on an open bus. They headed to the Cibeles square, where tens of thousands of fans were waiting to celebrate with them.
Thousands of fans had already spent the early hours of Sunday at Cibeles square, lighting flares, waving flag, and chanting the club’s songs and anthem throughout the night.
As he had done earlier this month, Real Madrid captain Marcelo draped the statue of the goddess Cybele with a Madrid flag and scarf, then lifted the trophy again as fans cheered. It was also an emotional farewell to the Brazilian defender, who is leaving Real as the club’s most decorated player with 25 trophies.
The 34-year-old fullback is leaving 16 years after he joined Madrid from Brazilian club Fluminense in 2006. He cried as he addressed the crowd but said there was no reason to be sad.
“I am very happy,” he said. “I’m saying goodbye after winning another Champions League title.”
After the open top bus parade at Cibeles square, Real Madrid made their way to the Santiago Bernabeu as players addressed the crowd and once again lifted the trophy as confetti and fireworks were set off. Manager Carlo Ancelotti sang some of the team’s songs along with the players and the crowd.
Champions League final player ratings
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LIVERPOOL RATINGS: Alisson Becker - 6. The Brazilian had little to do but got into a muddle for the disallowed goal. Some of his expeditions out of his area verged on erratic. AFP -
Trent Alexander-Arnold - 6. The 23-year-old had a few good moments but was not as influential as usual. If he had checked over his shoulder, it might have been possible to stop the winning goal. Getty -
Ibrahima Konate - 8. This was the Frenchman’s best performance in a red shirt. He was strong in the tackle and quick to snuff out danger. His one questionable moment was before the disallowed goal and he was saved by VAR. AP -
Virgil van Dijk - 7. The Dutchman was powerful and composed and tried to spark attacks when on the ball. He was rarely in trouble but got dragged a little wide before the goal. AP -
Andrew Robertson - 6. The Scot tried to get forward but his crossing was erratic. His link-up play on the left with Diaz did not work as well as usual. AP -
Jordan Henderson - 7. The captain worked effectively in midfield and tried to move the ball quickly when in possession. He was withdrawn for Keita in the 77th minute as Liverpool chased a goal. EPA -
Fabinho - 6. The Brazilian stamped his authority on the midfield early on and ensured his team were on top for most of the game. He did not contribute much going forward. AFP -
Thiago Alcantara - 6. The 31-year-old was an injury worry before the game and did not look quite right even though his passing was neat. He was replaced by Firmino with 13 minutes to go. Reuters -
Mohamed Salah - 7. The Egyptian was marginalised in the first half but threatened after the break. Some of his shots lacked precision but he was unlucky to be foiled by the brilliance of Courtois. Getty -
Sadio Mane - 7. The Senegalese hit the post and caused Real some alarm. He was the victim of some rugged defending. EPA -
Luis Diaz - 5. The Colombian had an off night and lost his contest with Carvajal. Jota came on for him in the 65th minute. Getty -
SUBS: Diogo Jota (Diaz 65') - 6. The Portuguese was an upgrade on Diaz but was unable to beat Courtois. He was swamped by a blanket defence. Getty -
Naby Keita (Henderson 77') - 5. He showed for the ball but never looked like turning the match Liverpool’s way. AP -
Roberto Firmino (Thiago 77') - 6. The Brazilian produced some clever touches but they were not enough to change the course of the game. Getty -
REAL MADRID RATINGS: Thibaut Courtois - 10. One of the great Champions League final performances, the Belgian produced save after save, including six from Salah alone, to guide Real Madrid to victory. Getty -
Dani Carvajal - 8. Had the unenviable task of marking Diaz but stood firm, won his battle with the Colombian, and played a key role in Madrid's clean sheet. AP -
Eder Militao - 8. Won 100 per cent of his aerial duels and both attempted tackles while also making three successful interceptions, the Brazilian was a rock amid relentless Liverpool attacks. AP -
David Alaba - 8. The Austrian was superb alongside Militao, winning four out of five ground duels, making four successful tackles, three interceptions, and three blocked shots. What an incredible free transfer Alaba has turned out to be. Reuters -
Ferland Mendy - 8. Had his hands full defensively against Salah but the Frenchman was excellent on the ball, achieving a 97 per cent passing accuracy and won 100 per cent of his one-on-one duels. AP -
Luka Modric - 7. Played a key role in the build-up to the goal and celebrated the Champions League triumph by announcing he had signed a new contract. A fifth European Cup for the ageless Croatian. Reuters -
Casemiro - 9. Superb from the Brazilian who delivered a vintage defensive midfield display, winning 5/5 aerial duels, 8/11 ground duels, and four tackles, as well as six ball recoveries. Getty -
Toni Kroos - 7. Quiet in the first half but grew into the game after the break, achieving 93 per cent passing accuracy including 100 per cent of his 11 attempted long balls. Getty -
Federico Valverde - 8. Preferred to Rodrygo on the right wing and it proved the right move from Carlo Ancelotti after the Spaniard played the killer pass for Vinicius Jr's winning goal. Beyond the assist, Valverde had a good game. AP -
Karim Benzema - 7. Capped a sensational season by winning a fifth Champions League title. There was to be no final goalscoring heroics but surely Benzema is headed for the Ballon d'Or. EPA -
Vinicius Junior - 9. A constant threat down Madrid's left flank and popped up with the game-winning goal. Vinicius finished the season with 22 goals and 20 assists. Getty -
SUBS: Eduardo Camavinga (Valverde 85') - N/A. Brought on for the final five minutes to help Madrid over the line. AP -
Dani Ceballos (Modric 90') - N/A. Provided fresh legs for injury time. Getty -
Rodrygo (Vinicius 90'+3) - N/A. AFP
“What a season, what a season,” said Ancelotti, who won a record fourth Champions League title as a manager. “We had a good time at this stadium this season.”
Nearly 55,000 fans had packed the Bernabeu to watch the final on Saturday. A big screen was set up on the halfway line so fans could watch the match, and the crowd erupted when Vinícius Jr scored the winner and then cheered loudly as Marcelo lifted the trophy in France.
“I haven’t slept much, there was too much adrenaline,” said Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who was man of the match on Saturday. “I still can’t believe it. This is incredible.”
Check out the photo gallery above to view the best pictures from Real Madrid's Champions League trophy celebrations. To move on to the next photo, click on the arrows or if using a mobile device, simply swipe.
