Wild celebrations swept Paris on Saturday as thousands of fans flooded the Champs-Elysees after Paris St Germain's 5-0 thrashing of Inter Milan secured their first Champions League trophy. At Parc des Prince, 48,000 fans roared in ecstasy as the final whistle blew, capping a historic night.
Wildcelebrations erupted across Parison Saturday, with thousands of soccer fans descending on the boutique-lined Champs Elysees boulevard, afterParis St Germaincrushed Italian rivals Inter Milan 5-0 towintheChampionsLeaguefor the first time.
Inside the club's Parc des Prince stadium, transformed into a giant fan zone for the night, with giant screensinthe centre of the pitch, 48,000 people let out a roar of ecstasy at the final whistle.
"Total euphoria, crazy atmosphere," said Gilles Gaillot who had been watching the gameinthe Paris stadium. "It made up for the wait and the years of disappointment. Finally Paris and its supporters have been rewarded," Gaillot added.
Supportersinthe French capital set off fireworks and hung out of moving cars wavingPSGscarves, delightingintheir side's first victoryinEuropean soccer's top tournament.
Nearby, the Eiffel Tour lit upinPSG's blue and red colours. On the Rue de Rivoli, which runs past the Louvre museum, joyful crowds thronged the street.
Some 5,400 police were deployed across the city for the post-match celebrations.
Police on the Champs Elysees used tear gas and pepper spray to maintain order. A police spokesman said a car was set alight near the Parc des Princes and that several dozen had arrests had been made by the time the match ended.
"I couldn't dream of a better night," said 18-year-old Amine. "Let's spare a thought for Mbappe."
France striker Kylian Mbappe leftPSGfor Spanish club Real Madrid last yearinpursuit ofChampionsLeagueglory.
French PresidentEmmanuel Macron, an ardent supporter of Olympique Marseille, tweeted: "A glorious day forPSG! Bravo, we are all proud. Paris, the capital of Europe this evening."
Macron's office said the president would receive the players at the Elysee Palace on Sunday. The team are also expected to parade down the Champs Elysees.
(FRANCE 24 with REUTERS)
Originally published on France24
