The match was the first time City Football Group clubs had met on the field, and the teams served up a lively encounter with plenty of chances at both ends.
The game was decided late on and in some style, Nasri chesting down Bruno Zuculini’s cross before lashing a perfectly struck volley high into the net after 86 minutes.
That champagne moment was just reward for Frenchman Nasri, who worked hard throughout in midfield, prompting, probing and putting some valuable miles on the clock in the build up to the new Premier League season.
City held the upper hand for the most part, with Yaya Toure a dominating presence in the middle of the pitch, while there were encouraging performances from a host of youngsters looking to make a name for themselves on tour.
Spanish midfield starlet Manu Garcia enjoyed the physical battle and showcased the technique he has been honing for the EDS side, while Brandon Barker went close on a couple of occasions with trademark shots.
Fans also had their first public look at Turkish striker Enes Unal, although he had little time to make an impact after coming on late.
City, with the first team modelling the new home kit for the first time in public, were on the attack from the first minute, when the lively Jesus Navas raced down the right to cut the ball back for Garcia, who shot over.
Shortly after Nasri served notice of his intentions on the night, surging forward to set up an attack that was eventually cleared by ex-Newcastle man Aaron Hughes.
There was almost embarrassment for City keeper Willy Caballero when his attempted clearance ricocheted back towards him from close range, with Vincent Kompany on full alert to deny Wade Dekker.
Ivorian Toure drew ‘oohs’ from the crowd with quick feet in midfield before the same player rattled the crossbar with a fine free-kick.
Nasri and Toure began to take a stranglehold on the game as the half wore on.
The Frenchman was next to threaten when he sliced a shot wide before Toure’s effort on the turn was collected by Melbourne goalkeeper Tano Velaphi.
Next, a lovely one-two between the City duo set Nasri clear but again he shot wide.
The clearest chance of the first-half fell to Melbourne though.
After Paulo Retre had nutmegged Toure to the delight of the local crowd, the ball went wide to be crossed to Stefan Mauk, who somehow missed from just yards out with the goal gaping.
Just before the break only a breathtaking finger-tip stop from Caballero denied Harry Novillo a goal.
The second half of the game struggled to pick up the pace of the first, but live-wire winger Novillo was next to go close.
Wonderful feet from the Frenchman put him through on Caballero but although his dinked finish beat the keeper, it also drifted wide of the far post.
Substitute Zuculini, one of a series of changes for both sides, sparked City and he drove forward from midfield late in the game.
Eventually the Argentinian came up with the assist for what proved a stunning goal.
Nasri - who had passed up a number of chances in the game - got this one spot on, chesting the ball before smashing an unstoppable volley high into the net.
City on Tour, supported by visitabudhabi.ae
