Leeds United could not have complained if they had suffered a shock UEFA Cup exit at the hands of Troyes, according to match winner Robbie Keane.
The French side were 14 minutes away from knocking out the Premiership hopefuls when Keane headed home to send Leeds through to the third round.
Leeds lost 3-2, but an aggregate score of 6-5 was enough to see David O'Leary's side past Troyes, who only qualified for the competition through the Intertoto Cup.
"We were under the cosh a bit and to be fair I thought they were the better side," said Keane. "We were worried at 3-1, but we got the goal to put us through."
Leeds were Champions League semi-finalists last season and have earmarked the UEFA Cup as the perfect opportunity to win their first European honour since the 1971 Fairs Cup.
"We know we are capable of winning this competition so it would have been a major disappointment if we'd gone out," Keane added. "But we're through, which is a big relief."
Manager David O'Leary admitted he feared Leeds's European dream was over as his side battled to overcome a hardworking Troyes side.
"I admit my heart was in my mouth and I was a very worried man when they were leading 3-1, but we are a side which is always capable of scoring goals and that's what we did," he said.
"To be honest we should have finished them off at Elland Road, but we didn't and Troyes have to be given credit for pushing us all the way."
Leeds have new injury worries over Harry Kewell, who was taken off at half-time against Troyes with a calf injury. The Australian is to undergo intensive treatment in a bid to be fit for Sunday's match against Tottenham Hotspur.