Match ends, Dundee 1, Aberdeen 2.
Sam Cosgrove's extra-time goal edged Aberdeen into the quarter-finals of the Scottish League Cup, but only after a torrid 120 minutes against Dundee.
Three days after going out of the Europa League, Derek McInnes' side were on the brink of being knocked out by their Championship hosts after Danny Johnson's penalty.
But Andrew Considine's equaliser right on the 90 minutes denied Dundee a Premiership scalp, and Cosgrove rose highest to set up a quarter-final tie against Hearts at Tynecastle.
It was desperately unlucky for James McPake's side, who were the better team over the 90 minutes and looked set for their first quarter-final since 2017-18.
But for McInnes, it is a positive end to a tough week for Aberdeen, who had failed to score in their previous three games.
Considine takes centre stage
The last time these two teams met in the League Cup at Dens Park was 10 years ago and, in a five-goal thriller, it was the home side who crept through to the next round.
Aberdeen defender Considine played that day, and he had another uncomfortable afternoon on Tayside. He was harassed throughout the 90 minutes and never given a moment to settle thanks to the attentions of the impressive Dundee striker Johnson and he was culpable as Aberdeen fell behind.
Cammy Kerr floated a free-kick from distance into the box and, when Considine clattered into Jordan Foster, referee Willie Collum pointed to the spot. Johnson sent Joe Lewis the wrong way, and the Championship side had the lead.
Aberdeen looked lethargic following their midweek Europa League defeat by Rijeka, and it was only after the introduction of substitutes Dean Campbell, Connor McLennan and James Wilson they had an urgency about their game.
Dundee goalkeeper Jack Hamilton was having a much quieter afternoon than he probably expected but, just as it looked as if Dundee had booked their place in the last eight, Considine struck. Hamilton made a magnificent stop from a Greg Leigh header, but the cutback was straight into the path of Considine, who knocked home from close range.
Cosgrove's header in extra time simply rubbed salt into the wounds.
Man of the match - Finlay Robertson
On the evidence of this 90 minutes, the Dundee fans are in for a real treat this season. From the opening blow of Collum's whistle, McPake's players looked up for the battle that lay in front of them.
The stand-out player was teenager Finlay Robertson. The 16-year-old belied his youthfulness with another composed performance that is sure to have scouts booking a trip to Dens Park.
'We should have had two penalties' - reaction
Dundee manager James McPake: "I'm disappointed for the players because they deserve to be through. I think we should have had two penalties, and I'm talking about handballs.
"There's this new rule that if it makes you bigger and it hits your hand it's a penalty - we should have had two. I don't get the rules. If that is the rule then people need to do their job.
Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes: "Dundee had eight days to prepare and I think it showed. We looked like a team that were heavy-legged and lacking in confidence.
"It wasn't about us playing well today, it's about coming away from home and finding a way to win. It was a tough watch for us at times but pleased we've managed to get into the next round."
Line-ups
Dundee
Formation 4-5-1
- 1Hamilton
- 2Kerr
- 5ForsterBooked at 90mins
- 3McGhee
- 23Marshall
- 8Byrne
- 19RobertsonSubstituted forMooreat 98'minutes
- 4NessSubstituted forMcGowanat 74'minutes
- 7ToddSubstituted forMeekingsat 86'minutes
- 11McDaidBooked at 79mins
- 18JohnsonSubstituted forNelsonat 62'minutes
Substitutes
- 6Meekings
- 9Nelson
- 10McGowan
- 12Ferrie
- 22Moore
- 24Anderson
- 31Cunningham
Aberdeen
Formation 4-4-2
- 1Lewis
- 2LoganBooked at 79mins
- 4ConsidineBooked at 43mins
- 5McKenna
- 3Leigh
- 11HedgesSubstituted forWilsonat 65'minutes
- 22Ojo
- 7BrysonBooked at 50minsSubstituted forCampbellat 62'minutes
- 10McGinnSubstituted forMcLennanat 57'minutes
- 21GallagherSubstituted forVynerat 119'minutes
- 16CosgroveBooked at 16mins
Substitutes
- 9Main
- 15Wright
- 18McLennan
- 20Cerny
- 24Campbell
- 28Wilson
- 33Vyner
- Referee:
- William Collum
- Attendance:
- 5,740
Match Stats
- Possession
- Home48%
- Away52%
- Shots
- Home10
- Away14
- Shots on Target
- Home4
- Away3
- Corners
- Home5
- Away7
- Fouls
- Home14
- Away21
Live Text
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Second Half Extra Time ends, Dundee 1, Aberdeen 2.
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Attempt missed. Jordan Marshall (Dundee) header from the centre of the box is too high following a set piece situation.
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Corner, Dundee. Conceded by Joe Lewis.
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Cammy Kerr (Dundee) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
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Foul by Connor McLennan (Aberdeen).
Substitution
Substitution, Aberdeen. Zak Vyner replaces Jon Gallagher.
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Paul McGowan (Dundee) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
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Foul by Scott McKenna (Aberdeen).
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Attempt missed. Sam Cosgrove (Aberdeen) right footed shot from outside the box is too high.
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Attempt missed. Sam Cosgrove (Aberdeen) right footed shot from the centre of the box misses to the right.
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Delay in match because of an injury Joe Lewis (Aberdeen).
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Attempt saved. Paul McGowan (Dundee) right footed shot from the left side of the box is saved in the bottom left corner.
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Attempt saved. Declan McDaid (Dundee) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the centre of the goal.
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Delay over. They are ready to continue.
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Delay in match because of an injury Jordon Forster (Dundee).
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Declan McDaid (Dundee) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
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Foul by Funso Ojo (Aberdeen).
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Second Half Extra Time begins Dundee 1, Aberdeen 2.
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First Half Extra Time ends, Dundee 1, Aberdeen 2.