Real Madrid vs Espanyol preview - Ancelotti relaxed despite defeats

Carlo Ancelotti insists there is no cause for concern after Real Madrid suffered back-to-back defeats to bring their 22-match winning run to a shuddering halt.

A 2-0 loss to rivals Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their Copa del Rey last-16 clash on Wednesday night came on the back of Valencia's come-from-behind win over Madrid last weekend, but with his side top of the table heading into Saturday's match against Espanyol, Ancelotti is staying calm.

"Criticism is normal because we won 22 games and now it is normal to seek explanations," he said in Friday's press conference.

"But I do not see a serious problem and I am not worried, because I know the team well and I know the commitment they have."

The Italian admitted that his players had not been mentally on their game since the winter break, but said their focus had returned after the defeats.

"After the (winning) streak and the holidays, we have not been in a good mental conditions, but physically we are in excellent shape," he said.

"The group is now eager to recover. After the holidays we have dropped but we are keen to win again."

Cristiano Ronaldo sat out the loss to Atletico but Ancelotti said the Portugal forward would return on Saturday.

"At Atletico, Cristiano was a little tired and we decided he would rest," he said. "Tomorrow he will be fully recovered and in good condition to play."

However, Sergio Ramos is not in the match squad after missing training on Friday morning.

For Espanyol, Victor Sanchez, Francisco Montanes, Diego Colotto and Juan Fuentes are all back in the squad after missing the 2-1 Copa del Rey loss to Valencia.