Also didn't realize was a different format this season, now 3rd place has to fight second place Europa group to go through last 16. That seems fairer, rather than clear progress for champions league dropouts
yeah, that seems as more fair route
and you forgot Milan, they are good in cup competition, so they also can reach far in Europa league
maybe Feyenoord and Benfica as well, other dropouts will have hard time against 2nd placed teams in Europa league group stage to reach R16
on the other hand, last round win saw Ajax reaching Conference league, and with form in up trend, they are one of the favorites to win that one, for certain