Carlo Ancelotti has warned Real Madrid that every match can be a fall that ends their impressive recent form in a crucial phase of the season.
Madrid plays on Saturday to Espanyol and rolls into the game at a peak with 12 wins of their last 14 games in all games.
Ancelotti is determined to maintain the momentum when they are confronted with humble Espanyol in Laliga, but Ancelotti was wary on the eve of the game.
Los Blancos is at the top of the Spanish classification with 49 points of 21 games, four for second place Atletico Madrid, and Ancelotti knows that there is little room for errors if they want to retain the LaLala title.
“We are better than in December, we are on a very good run,” Ancelotti told reporters.
“But we have to continue. There are so many games and each can be a trap. And that is what we don't want.
“It's time to get ahead in this good dynamic, and we can't afford to go back.”
Ancelotti expects a difficult outing against Espanyol, who is in the table 18th with 20 points.
Espanyol has improved in recent weeks and has only lost one of their last six Laliga matches, after they have been defeated in the competition in eight of their previous 10 games.
“It will be a difficult match,” the Italian added. “It is an important moment for everyone because it is the last piece. The points are becoming more important.
“We have the advantage at the moment and we want to continue.”
The improvement of Madrid coincided with an electrical form of Kylian Mbappe, who scored his first hat trick for the club in last week's 3-0 win at Real Valladolid.
They will also be stimulated by the return of Brazil Voornicius Junior, who was suspended for two games for two games after his red card against Valencia in January.
Ancelotti said: “He is aware of what he should do on the field because he is an adult person.
“We are pleased that he is coming back. He has trained very well, he is fresh and can contribute a lot on Saturday.”
13 – Rodrygo Goes has been involved in 13 goals in his last 11 games for Real Madrid in all competitions (9 goals, 4 assists), as much as in his previous 43 (also 9 goals, 4 assists).
On. pic.twitter.com/yv4udgejk
– Optajose (@Optajose “> @Optajose) January 29, 2025
Ancelotti was also asked about the future of attacker Rodrygo after the 24-year-old was connected to a move to the Saudi-Pro League. The Brazilian has scored nine goals since December 14, including a Champions League-Double in Wednesday's 3-0 win over Brest.
“It's hard for me to talk about the future of players because they are always personal decisions,” added the Madrid boss.
“But what I see is that those who are here are very happy and want to stay as long as possible. They want to win and contribute titles.
“What I see, as I hear, there are many who want to be in Rodrygo's, because there are many players who want to play for this club, in this team, with this shirt.”
Rodrygo has scored three goals in seven LaLiga matches against Espanyol; Only against Seville (four) did he score more goals in the competition.
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