The top two teams from each of the 12 first-round groups are joined by the eight sides dropping down from the Champions League, featuring for the first time ever the defending European champions, Chelsea.
The Blues’ presence adds spice to a competition that UEFA is considering scrapping in favor of an extension to the Champions League format later this decade.
The two-legged, last-32 round gets under way in mid-February, with the draw held later this month.
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