MADRID -- Tens of thousands of fans braved the rain to greet Real Madrid's players as they returned home on Sunday following their triumph in the UEFA Champions League final in Milan.
Many waited all night after celebrating the team's penalty shooutout win over city rivals Atletico Madrid.
The players arrived in Madrid at about 6 a.m. local time (0400 GMT) and travelled on an open bus to the club's traditional celebration spot, the Plaza de Cibeles, where an estimated 30,000 supporters welcomed the team.
Players carried the Champions League trophy atop the bus, showing it off to the cheering crowds. The word "Campeones" and number 11 were displayed prominently on the bus, in reference to the club's 11th victory in the competition.
Team captain Sergio Ramos, who scored Madrid's goal at the San Siro as the game ended 1-1 after extra time, took the walkway set up over the plaza's fountain and draped the statue of the goddess Cybele with the club's scarf and flag.
A huge video screen was set up at the plaza to allow fans to watch the final, and the party began immediately after Cristiano Ronaldo converted the final penalty in the shootout to give the club its second European title in three seasons.
Atletico Madrid supporters, who had lost to the same opponents in 2014, had gathered at a different viewing spot to watch the final.
There were no reports of major incidents between fans of the rival clubs.
Real Madrid said "almost 80,000" people had watched Saturday's final on giant screens at the club's Bernabeu stadium.
The team will meet the mayor of Madrid later on Sunday, when they will again parade through the city streets. The celebrations will culminate at the Bernabeu in the evening.