Racing made slightly harder work of progressing past Liga MX side Puebla on Wednesday night but Gustavo Bou’s 75th minute strike ensured that La Academia would be in the Copa Libertadores group stage.

Following last week’s 2-2 draw in México, Racing were firm favourites but after their shock league defeat to Atlético Tucumán no Sunday, nothing was being taken for granted. In the Cilindro last night, Facundo Sava’s side dominated from the off but could not find the goal to ease the nerves until relatively late on. A defensive error from the Mexicans gifted the ball to Gustavo Bou and there was little hesitation shown in rifling the ball past Cristian Campestrini.

Bou was last year’s leading scorer in the tournament and with two to his name already, the 25-year-old is a decent bet to retain the crown before surely sealing his overdue move to Europe in the summer.

Racing will play in Group 3 of the Libertadores, where they will face Boca Juniors, Bolivar and Deportivo Cali.

Racing Club  1 – 0  Puebla (AGG 3-2)