Thousands of Barcelona fans flooded on to the streets of the Catalan city to start an all-night party after the team claimed their first league title in six years with a 1-1 draw at Levante on Saturday.

An estimated 10,000 supporters carrying firecrackers, flares and red and yellow Catalan flags converged on the Plaza de Canaletas, the traditional venue for fans to mark Barca's successes.

At the same time the players, led by ecstatic Brazilian World Cup-winner Ronaldinho [Images], celebrated with champagne and danced their way on a lap of honour of the Levante pitch.

They had been joined at the stadium by 11,000 fans who travelled down the Mediterranean coast to support their side, who had to fight their way back from a goal down to earn the point that clinched the championship.

An overjoyed Barcelona president Joan Laporta was also in the stands to witness his team winning their first title since he took charge of the club two years ago.

"What the Barcelona players have done this season has been absolutely magnificent," said Laporta.

BRILLIANT FOOTBALL

"They have played some brilliant football and have won people over with the way they have approached the game and for me as club president that is a massive source of pride."

Dutchman Frank Rijkaard, presiding over his first title as a club coach, dedicated the triumph to the supporters.

"My first thought is for the fans who have given us such fantastic support throughout the year," he said. "I'm delighted for the players, too, who have won a great battle this season.

"We had to fight right to the end to earn the draw tonight and Levante made us suffer a lot. But when we got the equaliser we were finally able to relax a little."

The team are scheduled to arrive back at Barcelona airport in the early hours of Sunday morning where they are expected to be greeted by thousands of delighted supporters.

The players will tour the city in an open-top bus on Sunday evening.

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