Real Madrid fans paint city white after Champions League win over Borussia Dortmund
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MADRID – Real Madrid celebrated the Spanish La Liga title with thousands of supporters in May, pledging to return in June with the Champions League trophy.
Los Blancos delivered on their promise, defeating Borussia Dortmund 2-0 at Wembley to claim a record 15th European Cup on June 1.
The triumphant players hit the city’s usual celebration hot spots on June 2 before ending up at the club’s Santiago Bernabeu Stadium where the party finished, for now at least.
Paris Saint-Germain striker Kylian Mbappe’s expected signing in the coming days should see the festivities continue.
On June 3, he was left out of France’s 25-man preliminary squad for a training camp ahead of the Paris Olympics. While this does not mean he has been ruled out of the Games, Real are reportedly not keen on his participation as the European Championship ends less than two weeks before the Olympic football competition starts.
“Vinicius, Ballon d’Or” chants were heard at intervals from fans throughout the afternoon, after the Brazilian netted Real’s second goal in the final to clinch victory.
Dani Carvajal had opened the scoring with his first Champions League goal in eight seasons, against the run of play after Dortmund had dominated.
However, as they so often tend to do, Real found a way to survive and ultimately thrive.
“If you don’t kill Madrid, they will kill you,” said Los Blancos supporter Diego de la Cruz.
The team’s stars, led by president Florentino Perez, made their first stop at the city’s Almudena cathedral.
“I don’t know which team Jesus would support, but I know that... he would surely appreciate this Cup,” said the cardinal archbishop of Madrid, Jose Cobo, who was left with a replica trophy.
The team then returned to the Madrid regional government’s headquarters to present another replica to president Isabel Diaz Ayuso, whom they also met after winning La Liga.
“If we are here, it’s because there’s good news,” said Real captain Nacho Fernandez. “Once again, we are champions of Europe. It seems easy to say – 15-time champions... I hope it’s many more times.”
Nacho, along with Carvajal, the retiring Toni Kroos and Luka Modric, reached a career sixth Champions League victory, equalling the record set by former Real winger Paco Gento well over half a century earlier.
Germany international Kroos was singled out for special praise by chief Perez, having set up Carvajal’s winner in his final match for Los Blancos after a decade at the club.
“We are the kings of Europe,” sang Carvajal, 32, to thousands of white-shirted fans massed in a central square, Puerta del Sol, before calling on Kroos to take the spotlight.
“Three weeks ago I promised you we’d be back,” said Kroos, while fans chanted for him to stay.
“Many thanks for 10 unforgettable years, I have no more words.”
Real Madrid players tossing the retiring Toni Kroos during the Champions League celebrations with fans in Madrid on June 2.
PHOTO: REUTERS
While the 34-year-old midfielder is departing, Real’s success is likely to continue.
“I have already told you that this club is currently working towards the realisation of a new dream – namely the 16th European Cup,” said Perez.
Real will have another “trophy” to celebrate soon, in the marquee signing of Mbappe, who could help them achieve that dream.
The French forward is finally set for the Santiago Bernabeu after seven years at PSG, many of which Real have spent trying to lure him to Spain.
Real are expected to announce the signing on June 3 or 4 and fans are ready for him to finally fulfil what has long appeared to be his destiny.
Real are expected to announce Kylian Mbappe’s signing on June 3 or 4 and fans are ready for him to finally fulfil what has long appeared to be his destiny.
PHOTO: AFP
“The relationship between Madrid and the Champions League is legendary, mystical, and so it’s very special,” said Claudia, 23, while waiting for the team to arrive at Plaza Cibeles, where Real celebrate their trophy conquests with supporters.
“He’s a player born to play at Real Madrid.
“I’m taking it as done that he’s arriving next week... the best players in the world have to play at Madrid, and Mbappe is in the top three players in the world.”
Carlo Ancelotti is used to managing players of that calibre and won a record fifth Champions League as a coach on June 1.
The Italian posed once more with a cigar in his mouth, sunglasses and a backwards baseball cap alongside Vinicius Jr, Rodrygo and the team’s other Brazilian stars, in what will become another indelible image from the celebrations. AFP, REUTERS
