Carlo Ancelotti has warned Real Madrid that every game can be a trap that ends their impressive recent run of form at a crucial stage of the season.

Madrid will play away to Espanyol on Saturday, rolling into the game on a high with 12 victories from their last 14 matches across all competitions.

Ancelotti is determined to keep the momentum going when they face lowly Espanyol in LaLiga, but Ancelotti was on guard on the eve of the match.

Los Blancos top the Spanish standings with 49 points from 21 games, four ahead of second-placed Atletico Madrid, and Ancelotti knows there is little room for error if they are to retain the LaLiga title.

"We are better than we were in December, we are on a very good run," Ancelotti told reporters.

"But we have to keep going. There are so many games and each one can be a trap. And that's what we don't want. 

"It is the time to move forward in this good dynamic, and we cannot afford to go backwards."

Ancelotti expects a tricky outing against Espanyol, who sit 18th in the table with 20 points.

Espanyol have improved over recent weeks, losing only one of their last six LaLiga matches, having been beaten in eight of their previous 10 games in the competition.

"It will be a difficult match," added the Italian. "It's an important moment for everyone because it's the final stretch. The points are becoming more important. 

"We have the advantage at the moment, and we want to continue."

Madrid’s improvement has coincided with an electric run of form from Kylian Mbappe, who scored his first hat-trick for the club in last week's 3-0 away win over Real Valladolid.

They will also be boosted by the return of Brazil forward Vinicius Junior, who was suspended for two games after his red card against Valencia earlier in January.

Ancelotti said: "He's aware of what he has to do on the pitch because he's a mature person. 

"We're delighted that he's coming back. He has trained very well, he is fresh and can contribute a lot on Saturday."

Ancelotti was also asked about the future of in-form attacker Rodrygo after the 24-year-old was linked with 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 at Brest.

"It's difficult for me to talk about the future of players because they are always personal decisions," added the Madrid boss.

"But what I see is those who are here are very happy and want to stay as long as possible. They want to win titles and to contribute.

"What I see, like what I hear, is that there are many who would like to be in Rodrygo's place, 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 games against Espanyol; only against Sevilla (four) has he scored more goals in the competition.