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NYON, Switzerland — The new format in European club competitions took shape on Friday with the draw for knockout playoffs in the third-tier Conference League. The Champions League and Europa League have their draws for knockout playoff rounds on Jan. 31 after completing their eight-round group phase that week. The 16 teams that placed ninth to 24th in the 36-team Conference League standings were paired in a seeded bracket like a tennis tournament. Among the eight pairings: Copenhagen vs Heidenheim, Gent vs Real Betis, and Celje vs APOEL. Winners advance to the last-16 joining league leader Chelsea and the other top-eight finishers.
