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Hearts became the first non-Old Firm side to qualify for Europe's premier tournament in more than 20 years thanks to Paul Hartley's second-half penalty.
Hartley blasted home after Zander Diamond had prevented a goal with his hands to make sure the Edinburgh side will finish second ahead of Rangers.
Rudi Skacel had a couple of early chances as nervous Hearts pressed for Champions League qualification.
Scott Severin was red-carded late on as the Dons' Uefa Cup hopes were ended.
It had been the first time that Hearts had kept the same side for two games in a row since the New Year period.
And an Aberdeen side with Richie Byrne in for Gary Dempsey were quickly under pressure as they sought to extend their own seven-game unbeaten run.
Deividas Cesnauskis quickly turned a Roman Bednar cut-back past the left-hand post from 16 yards out.
Hearts dominated possession, but it was a scrappy game and the frustration of the home fans increased as the first half wore on.
Aberdeen lost striker Steve Lovell to injury, Darren Mackie coming on as his replacement after 32 minutes.
And Hearts nearly grabbed the lead four minutes later, only for Rudi Skacel to guide his left-foot volley back across the goal and past the post.
Skacel picked up a loose ball 30 yards from goal moments later and fired a low left-footed drive past the same post.
Bednar sent in a powerful shot from the edge of the box, but diving goalkeeper Jamie Langfield gathered comfortably.
Aberdeen gave Hearts a fright shortly after the break, but Craig Gordon saved a 12-yard header by Barry Nicholson following a Richie Byrne cross.
But Hearts were piling on the pressure and grabbed a deserved lead after 51 minutes.
Diamond was fortunate only to be shown a yellow card, but Hartley delivered the punishment from the penalty spot.
Langfield saved superbly to prevent Cesnauskis heading home a second goal from a fine Jankauskas cross.
And Bednar sent a drive just wide of the Dons post via a deflection.
Former Hearts midfielder Scott Severin was sent off for a bad challenge on Bruno Aguiar.
And Hearts eased to victory that renders their final-day visit to face Rangers Ibrox meaningless as far as the final placings are concerned. |
Source: BBC Sport |
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