The Red Devils claimed a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Ittihad in Alexandria but they did not impress despite facing little threat from the hosts.

"My players are feeling the pressure because the Champions League final first-leg is approaching," Jose told the post-match press conference.

"I tried to help them get rid of such a feeling but they were logically concerned with the African encounter."

Ahli's star playmaker Mohamed Abou-Treika broke the deadlock in the first-half.

Substitute Osama Hosni, who recently revealed that he is on the verge of extending his Ahli deal, extended the gap shortly after the restart.

Ittihad pulled one back through an own goal from Ahli skipper Shadi Mohamed but Ahli hung on to their lead to claim all three points.

Ittihad coach Taha Basri believes his side deserved to get something from the game.

"A draw would have been a fair result," the former ENPPI coach said.

"We put in a fine display in the second half and squandered several clear-cut chances that could have given us the equalizer."