There were scenes of joy, elation and sheer relief at full time of Celtic's victory over Aberdeen this afternoon.

The Hoops progressed to the Scottish Cup final after a penalty shootout victory over the Pittodrie side in the Hampden sunshine. 

In a pulsating cup classic, the sides could not be separated at full time, with the score level at 2-2. It was the same situation after an additional 30 minutes, with either side adding another to their tally.

Matt O'Riley thought he'd won the game in extra time for the cup holders, with a brilliant touch and finish high into the top corner. 

However, a last-gasp header by Angus MacDonald saw the 31-year-old atone for his previous calamity in the game to equalise. 

In the shootout, Joe Hart was the eventual hero, as he saved from Killian Phillips to signal Celtic's passage to the next and final round of the tournament. 

Brendan Rodgers' side will take on the winner of Rangers vs Hearts on Saturday, May 25.

READ MORE: Why weren't Aberdeen awarded penalty against Celtic?

Despite Aberdeen's best efforts, and they were mightily impressive considering how poor they've been this season, finishing in the bottom six and still having not secured their Premiership safety, it was heartbreak for the players and stand-in boss Peter Leven. 

Joining Celtic in their celebrations were supporters, and everyone associated with Hearts, Kilmarnock, St Mirren and Dundee, though. 

That's because Aberdeen's elimination from the cup means that the winner of the trophy will not come from outside of the top three of the Premiership. 

So, as a result, fifth place will be guaranteed to enter Europe qualifiers this summer. This looks likely to be either St Mirren - who currently occupy the position - or Dundee, as the duo fight it out for the accolade. 

Heatts will be rewarded with, at least, guaranteed Europa Conference League Phase football, as they will enter the Europa League play-off round in August, assuming they tie up third place. Alternatively, if they win the Scottish Cup, the same outcome will be achieved. 

For Killie, who are clear in fourth place but look unlikely to be able to catch Hearts in third, they will be rewarded with at least two rounds in European competition this summer.

Derek McInnes' men will enter the Europa League qualifying round 2. Should they be eliminated from that, they'll drop into the third round of Europa Conference League qualifying - the round before the play-off stage. 

For whoever finishes fifth, it'll be Europa Conference League round 2 for them this July.