A thunderous free-kick by Paraguay striker Oscar Cardozo gave Benfica a 2-1 first-leg home win over Braga in their all-Portuguese Europa League semi-final on Thursday.

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.

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The hosts went ahead five minutes after the break when a Cardozo header hit the post and centre back Jardel pounced to slide in from the rebound.

Braga levelled three minutes later when Hugo Viana sent in a curling free kick from the left and an unmarked Vandinho headed in almost with his back to the goal.

Cardozo earned Benfica the win on 59 minutes with a powerful free kick into the top-left corner that keeper Artur had no chance of saving.