In the knockout round play-offs, the eight runners-up that qualify from the group stage are joined by the eight clubs that finish third in the UEFA Champions League group stage (see Paragraph 3.07 ).
The knockout round play-off pairings are determined by means of a draw, in accordance with the following principles:
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UEFA Europa League group-stage runners-up must be drawn against the teams that finish third in the UEFA Champions League group stage.
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Clubs from the same association cannot be drawn against each other.
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The runners-up in the UEFA Europa League group stage play the return leg at home.
The knockout round play-offs are played under the knockout system, in two legs, home and away. The team that scores the greater aggregate of goals in the two matches qualifies for the next stage. Otherwise, Article 21 applies.
The eight winners of the knockout round play-offs qualify for the round of 16.