Hearts will be playing in Europe next year after a clinging on for a draw in the Edinburgh derby.
The Jambos survived an onslaught with ten men to secure the chance to take on the continent after a fierce contest at Tynecastle which finished 1-1. The fourth placed shootout saw Hibs arrive at the home of their bitter rivals knowing that a win could topple their neighbours and pile on the agony after they lost out to third midweek.
Hearts looked a certainty to retain their crown as best of the rest as they sat 11 points clear. But a run of poor results saw manager Robbie Neilson sacked and a resurgent Aberdeen swept past their rivals to claim the Europa League play-off spot and guaranteed group stage football parachute - should Celtic lift the Scottish Cup next week.
READ MORE: Lee Johnson in Hibs 'toe-to-toe' Celtic verdict as they set up Hearts Europe showdown
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They can now still have a crack at the Europa Conference League with a chance to enter that competition at the third qualifying round. Should Inverness cause a massive upset it would be the second qualifying stage. But no matter what the Jambos are in.
Steven Naismith's men had to dig deep playing an hour of the match with ten men after Alex Cochrane saw red and Kevin Nisbet pulled one back for Hibs. Hibs threw everything at it but Lee Johnson's side ultimately came up short.
It means the Easter Road side now face an anxious wait till next week with the Scottish Cup Final having the last say on qualification.
And will be hoping that Champions Celtic can do them a favour at Hampden, with a win for the Hoops giving them entry to the Europa Conference League second qualifying round.
However should Championship outfit Inverness spring a huge Scottish Cup shock, there would be a huge shift in the European places, leaving Hibs out of Europe entirely.
For Hearts the third qualifying round beckons providing Celtic lift the trophy next week at Hampden.
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