Santiago Solari is looking forward to the Copa del Rey tie between two of his former teams, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid.
The sides meet at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday and Solari believes the pair are evenly matched, making for a fascinating encounter.
“The Madrid-Atletico game is the best you could have right now,” he told Marca.
“For a long time the two faced each other without being so strong or high up in the table.
“But this is definitely going to be nice and exciting.
“I openly admit I love the prospect of this tie.”
Solari had two years with Atleti between 1998 and 2000 before crossing the city to spend five years at the Bernabeu.
He made more than 50 appearances for Los Colchoneros and more than 200 for Los Blancos, winning two League titles and the Champions League.
Solari doesn’t expect there to be much between the sides when they meet in the cup.
“Perhaps, if you look at the League table, Atletico is a dot above.
“But keep in mind Madrid are coming at a good time and has a great team that aspires to win everything.”
Solari also wouldn’t be surprised if the Madrid clubs squeeze out Barcelona by the end of the season.
“Right now Barca is the club that should be nervous,” he said prior to Barca’s defeat against Valencia.
“If you are at the top at this point you should do something,” Solari added with regards to Atletico.
“They look like they can stand the pace despite hard commitments in three competitions.
“But beware Madrid, who are snapping at their heels.”
