Euro champs Spain meet King, parade in Madrid
Spain celebrated their Euro 2024 victory on Monday with an open top bus parade through Madrid after a visit to the country’s king and president.
Spain beat England 2-1 in the final in Berlin, with substitute Mikel Oyarzabal scoring a late winner after Cole Palmer had cancelled out Nico Williams‘ opening goal.
It was a record fourth time that Spain have won the European Championship, having previously lifting the trophy in 1964, 2008 and 2012.
The squad landed at Madrid’s Barajas Airport just after 2 p.m. local time on Monday.
Hours later, they visited the Zarzuela Palace, home of Spain’s King Felipe VI — who had celebrated with the team on the pitch at Berlin’s Olympiastadion on Sunday — before moving on to the Moncloa Palace, the official residence of Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez.
The players and coaching staff then took to an open top bus to parade through the centre of Madrid, passing along some of the city’s most famous streets before arriving at Plaza Cibeles just after 9 p.m.
The Spanish Government said over half a million people attended the celebrations. Spain captain Alvaro Morata presented the Euros trophy onstage before the team joined him for the celebrations.
“We’re champions of Europe! I’ve been proud to be captain of this team”, Morata said to the fans.
“Sometimes I score [goals], and sometimes I don’t, but I promise you that I’ve given everything to win this European Championship .. I hope you enjoyed it as much as we did. It was magical.”
The win over England concluded a perfect tournament for coach Luis de la Fuente’s team, winning all seven games, including victories over hosts Germany, reigning champions Italy, and favourites France.
“I’m proud to coach a group like this,” De la Fuente said. “We’re proud that Spain have this generation, with their values. They’re role models for Spain. Let’s hope that continues.”
Group stage wins over Croatia, Italy and Albania were followed by a comfortable 4-1 round-of-16 victory over Georgia, and a tight 2-1 quarterfinal win over Germany after extra time.
Spain came back from a goal down to beat France 2-1 in the semifinal, before overcoming England by the same scoreline.
Midfielder Rodri was named player of the tournament, and winger Lamine Yamal best young player.
