Ancelotti warns Madrid against further slip-ups
Real Madrid cannot afford further slip-ups if it is to win LaLiga for a second year running, head coach Carlo Ancelotti has warned after three games without a win.
Madrid trounced Manchester City to reach the UEFA Champions League's Round of 16 in midweek, but it has not won in LaLiga since beating Real Valladolid on 26 January (AEDT).
Draws with Atletico Madrid and Osasuna – the latter match seeing Jude Bellingham sent off for directing abusive language at the referee – came after a 1-0 defeat at Espanyol.
"It's a crucial moment in the season and we have to repeat our good performance against City," Ancelotti said.
"We can't afford to make more mistakes, the league is very competitive and every game is vital to get strongly to the end of the competition.
"It's true we've been a bit unlucky and I think we played quite well against City so we have to continue in this vein, because if you play well and have a good attitude, the results will reward you."
Ancelotti's men finished 10 points clear of second-placed Barca last season, but the Italian expects the title race to go to the wire this season.
"This is key in a competitive league like here in Spain, which is very difficult to win. There are three teams within one point and they are teams of a very high level," Ancelotti added.
"I believe this year the title will be decided in the last game."
Madrid must also do battle with Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Champions League, after the two cross-city rivals were paired together in the Round of 16 draw.
"Facing them will be difficult, as always. But I think it is going to be a nice, entertaining and balanced tie. The quality of the two teams is similar," Ancelotti said of that draw.
