Madrid cannot afford further title slip-ups, says Ancelotti

Real Madrid cannot afford further slip-ups if they are to win LaLiga for a second year running, Carlo Ancelotti has warned after three games without a win.

Madrid trounced Manchester City to reach the Champions League's last 16 in midweek, but they have not won in the league since beating Real Valladolid on January 25.

Draws with Atletico Madrid and Osasuna – the latter match seeing Jude Bellingham sent off for directing abusive language at the referee – followed on from a 1-0 defeat at Espanyol.

Barcelona have taken advantage to move top on goal difference and occupy the driver's seat in the title race, with Atletico Madrid one point behind in third.

Both of those sides play before Los Blancos this weekend, meaning the pressure could be piled on before the defending champions host Girona on Sunday.

"It's a crucial moment in the season and we have to repeat our good performance against City," Ancelotti said on Saturday. 

"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."

The Opta supercomputer still makes Madrid favourites to lift the title with a 44.9% chance of topping the pile. Barcelona dethrone them in 41.5% of season simulations, while Atleti do so in 13.4%.

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 campaign.

"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 Atleti in the Champions League, after the two cross-city rivals were paired together in Friday's last-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.