Euro 2012: Spain's victory celebrations – in pictures

Pepe Reina, Santi Cazorla, Sergio Ramos and Xabi Alonso celebrate with a drink as the team fly back to Madrid. The celebratory cake on the left was presented to the team by the flight crew Photograph: Handout/RFEF via Getty Images

Captain Iker Casillas isn't being rude to the photographer he's proudly showing how many times Spain have been crowned champions of Europe, though the trophy he's holding is in fact an updated version of the Henri Delaunay trophy Photograph: Juan Carlos Cardenas/EPA

The trophy sits at the top of the steps of the plane awaiting transportation to the team bus Photograph: Paul White/AP

Before the team are greeted by the fans they are greeted by members of the Spainish royal family at the Zarzuela Palace Photograph: Pool/Getty Images

Princess Leonor seems to want to play lucky dip with the cup rather than meet the players Photograph: Pool/Getty Images

The Spanish fans hit the streets early in order to get a good position on the parade route Photograph: Oli Scarff/Getty Images

In downtown Madrid, temperatures, as well as anticipation, are soaring so fireman spray the fans with water to cool them down Photograph: Alberto Di Lolli/AP

Which the young fans think is rather fun Photograph: Oli Scarff/Getty Images

Every vantage point is accessed Photograph: Andres Kudacki/AP

Even the TV gantries aren't safe from the hordes of fans Photograph: Oli Scarff/Getty Images

The open-top bus emerges from amidst a swirl of smoke Photograph: Susana Vera/Reuters

Alvaro Arbeloa, Ramos and Jesús Navas celebrate admist a sea of happy faces Photograph: Pablo Blazquez Dominguez/Getty Images

Thousands gather to cheer as the bus makes it's way through the Plaza de España Photograph: Mondelo/EPA

Impressive replica, though you wouldn't want to be stuck behind it Photograph: Oli Scarff/Getty Images

The crowd is a sea of red and yellow Photograph: Andres Kudacki/AP

There's thousands of outstretched arms as the team make their way along the Gran Vía. In years gone by these arms would be outstretched in adulation today it's more to likely to be so you can get a picture on your mobile phone Photograph: Emilio Naranjo/EPA

Juan Mata and Cazorla enjoy the moment Photograph: Denis Doyle/Getty Images

Plaza de Cibeles is rammed as fans wait for the players's arrival Photograph: Paul White/AP

The crowd erupts as the team arrives Photograph: Paul White/AP

As the bus heads to it's final destination, it's previous path is engulfed by celebrating fans Photograph: Pablo Blazquez Dominguez/Getty Images

Some fans get sprayed with cava as Arbeloa disembarks from the bus Photograph: Andres Kudacki/AP

The night closes in and the celebrations continue with Spanish singer David Bisbal performing on a stage with the national team behind him Photograph: Andrea Comas/Reuters

Before the players get to celebrate by themselves Photograph: Lluis Gene/AFP/Getty Images

One for Andrés Iniesta's family album Photograph: Lluis Gene/AFP/Getty Images

They've every right to be pleased with their achievement and celebrate accordingly Photograph: Andrea Comas/Reuters

Cesc Fábregas lifts the trophy high as the ticker tape falls. No doubt the celebrations will continue long into the night Photograph: Lluis Gene/AFP/Getty Images