Real Fans Party in Madrid After Spanish Cup Win

Real Madrid fans chanted, waved flags and honked car horns across Madrid to cheer their first Spanish Cup win since 1993 in a 1-0 extra-time victory Wednesday over arch rivals Barcelona.

Within minutes of the final whistle, hundreds of delighted fans waving Spanish and Real Madrid flags began streaming into Madrid's central Cibeles Square chanting "Champions, Champions" and "The Cup is here."

"The last time we won the Cup I was 10 years old. It is about time!" said 27-year-old Real Madrid fan David Hierro.

Real Madrid players led by captain Iker Casillas planned a triumphant return at about 3:30 am (0130 GMT) in the square, the traditional home for raucous Real Madrid victory celebrations.

A scaffolding catwalk was built around the central fountain where a statue features the Roman Goddess of nature, Cybele, seated in a stone chariot hauled by two huge lions.

Police vans and scores of officers blocked cars off from all incoming roads and checked revelers' bags.

"It was amazing. Real deserved it and we are going to celebrate!" said Jorge Guerra Arevalo as he headed to the fountain with a group of friends after watching the match at a nearby bar.