Buenos Aires, Dec 10 (IANS): Between 40,000 and 50,000 people filled up the downtown area here to celebrate the victory of River Plate over Boca Juniors in the final match of the Copa Libertadores played in Madrid.

The celebrations on Sunday night took place in the middle of a security operation during which there were seizures of alcoholic beverages from the fans, according to police, reports Efe news.

From early on, the central streets in Buenos Aires were blocked as well as the bus lane of the always busy 9 de Julio Avenue, in preparation for the arrival of the fans of the team that won the title of the Copa Libertadores in the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid.

From around 6.45 local time (21.45 GMT), shortly after River was announced champion, fans of the team were approaching the Obelisk in the centre of town despite heavy rain and progressively filled the area.

Hundreds of fans did not hesitate to get into their cars and drive through the streets honking their horns, waving flags outside their windows and shouting odes to their team.