Atletico coach Simeone suspended for 3 games in Copa del Rey

Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone has been banned from the touchline for three Copa del Rey matches for misconduct toward a referee in the competition.

The Spanish football federation says the suspension will be served next season since Atletico was eliminated on Tuesday.

Simeone was sent off during Tuesday’s 3-1 cup loss to Sevilla for protesting a decision by the referee, earning a one-match touchline ban.

The punishment was extended by two matches because Simeone applauded the referee in a mocking fashion when he was dismissed.

Atletico was eliminated 5-2 on aggregate in the two-legged quarterfinal of the Copa del Rey competition.

Barcelona to face Valencia in Copa del Rey semifinals

Barcelona will face Valencia in the semifinals of the Copa del Rey.

The defending champions will host the first leg at home on Wednesday, with the second match at Mestalla Stadium in Valencia on Feb. 7.

Sevilla will play Leganes in the other semifinal on the same dates.

Barcelona has won the last three cups and has a record 29 Copa del Rey titles. It also leads the Spanish league.

Valencia held Barcelona to a 1-1 draw at home in the league in November.

Sevilla will play the second leg at home against Leganes, a modest first-division club which eliminated Real Madrid in the quarterfinals.