The Bavarians secured the advantage against Benfica thanks to a second-minute goal by Chile international Arturo Vidal.
But despite 15 attempts, five of which were on target, Bayern failed to secure a better starting position for the return leg in Lisbon next week.
"I am very pleased with our performance tonight except for the last 20 minutes in the first half," Guardiola said in his postmatch news conference, adding particular praise for winger Franck Ribery for putting in an "incredible performance."
The winger had started the play which led to Vidal's early goal and was a constant threat on the left side. Ten minutes from time, a low Ribery shot was parried by Benfica keeper Ederson, and Vidal's header help up as the deciding goal.
"In Champions League the second leg makes the difference. We now know Benfica better than before the game," Guardiola said. "Another result would have been better, true. But you can also suffer a defeat here. In Munich, if you don't win by many goals it's not good.
"The favourite is whoever plays best in Lisbon and scored the most goals."Going into the quarterfinals, Guardiola already warned that Benfica are not the clear outsiders the German press made them, and he reiterated: "I understand if people underestimate Benfica. They can't catch the Portuguese league here. But I saw a lot of games, and I was very, very impressed."
Guardiola also had favourable words for goal scorer Vidal.
"He's done a good job in the last few months. He's got a lot of experience. His goal was very important for us," the manager said.
He added: "We had enough chances tonight. We will fly to Lisbon to win. I have trust in my team."
Perhaps Bayern's best chance to double their lead came with only a few minutes left on the clock, as Robert Lewandowski was through on goal but made played a loose pass to Philipp Lahm.
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