Benfica had a goal disallowed and hit the post in the first half, while Braga also came close with a dangerous long-range shot from left back Silvio.
The hosts went ahead five minutes after the break when Cardozo headed against the post and centre-back Jardel pounced to slide in from the rebound.
"I believe we are going to the Dublin final. We will be in for a tough game in the second leg but this game also gives us the confidence to go and defend the result in Braga," he said.
"This was not a good result but we know that everything is still up for grabs. In our stadium, in front of our fans it is going to be a different affair," he said.
"We know it is possible to beat Benfica at home and we have already given them a hard time over there before.
