Once the play-offs have been completed, the 48 remaining clubs are drawn into 12 groups of four in accordance with Paragraph 13.08. Clubs from the same association cannot be drawn into the same group.
Each club plays one home and one away match against each other club in its group. Three points are awarded for a win, one for a draw, and none for a defeat. The following match sequence applies:
|
Matchday 1: |
2 v 3 |
Matchday 4: |
1 v 3 |
|
Matchday 2: |
1 v 2 |
Matchday 5: |
3 v 2 |
|
Matchday 3: |
3 v 1 |
Matchday 6: |
2 v 1 |
The 12 group-winners and the 12 runners-up from the group stage qualify for the round of 32. The clubs that finish this stage in third and fourth position in their group are eliminated.