Samir Nasri's first goal since October has given Manchester City a deserved half-time lead over Chelsea in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley.
Nasri broke the deadlock on 35 minutes when Sergio Aguero's attempted pass deflected off Cesar Azpilicueta into the path of the Frenchman, who slotted home from eight yards.
City's lead was no more than their play had deserved. Roberto Mancini's men twice went close to opening the scoring during the first 10 minutes.
First, Gareth Barry's drilled cross from the left deflected off Yaya Toure and was then diverted goalwards by Aguero, but goalkeeper Petr Cech did well to palm the ball wide for a corner.
Cech was called into action again moments later, as he was forced to block a powerful near-post effort by Carlos Tevez.
Branislav Ivanovic then produced a brilliant last-ditch sliding tackle to deny Aguero inside the penalty area.
City's backline was rarely threatened, but captain Vincent Kompany was required to head off the goalline on the half-hour mark.
Juan Mata's free kick was headed clear by Matija Nastasic as far as Eden Hazard, whose volley slammed into the ground and looped over the head of goalkeeper Costel Pantilimon before Kompany intervened to save his side.
Robert Summerscales
