Aberdeen still have hope of a second round entrance to the Europa League – but need a hand from this season’s semi-finalists.

The Dons have qualified for Europe this season thanks to their league position, meaning they are guaranteed a fourth successive Continental campaign.

But the European place for cup winners is actually more advantageous even than finishing runners-up.

This season Hibs started in the second round while Aberdeen and Hearts started a round earlier.

But as Celtic have already won the league and will be in Europe, Derek McInnes’ side get the benefit of being cup winners in European terms.

Scotland are currently ranked 25th in the UEFA rankings but that could change depending on how the Europa League winners do domestically.

If a team wins the Europa League but fails to qualify for the Champions League group stages through their league, Aberdeen will receive a bye to the second round because Scotland will move up a place.

As well as sparing themselves a couple of games and getting extra time off, the Dons would also be seeded for that draw.

Effectively, if Manchester United, Ajax or Lyon win the Europa League and finish out the Champions League group stage places in their respective domestic competitions, Aberdeen will leapfrog into the second round.

The only potential pitfall is if Celta Vigo win the Europa League as they would then need to finish in the top seven in Spain.

WHAT NEEDS TO HAPPEN FOR DONS TO ENTER IN THE SECOND ROUND STAGE: