Argentine striker Carlos Tevez scored twice against his former club Manchester United, helping Manchester City win the first leg of League cup semifinal 2-1 on Tuesday.

Ryan Giggs put the visitors ahead on 17 minutes with his first Derby goal since 1996, but Tevez replied strongly with a penalty and a header, encouraging the hosts' manager Robert Mancini to punch the air at the final whistle.

The Red Devils were in full control in most part of the game, but teenager defender Rafael Da Silva was giving a very hard time by Craig Bellamy, who earned a penalty chance for Man. City minutes before the interval.

In order to stop a speeding Bellamy on the left flank, the 19-year-old Brazalian dragged his rival's jersey outside the box. But when Bellamy tumbled inside the area, the referee pointed to the spot and warned Da Silva with a yellow card. Tevez made sure the equalizer in the 42nd minutes.

Tevez gave his former teammates another blow 20 minutes after the restart as he headed home Vincent Kompany's cross.

It seemed a wakeup call as Man. United began a surge of attacks in the last 20 minutes. Sir Alex Ferguson also introduced Michael Owen, whose winner deep into stoppage time gave Man. United a 4-3 Premier League victory over Man. City last September.

However, goalkeeper Shay Given saved from Wayne Rooney on three occasions and Owen's shot was held back on the line by Nedum Onuoha.

The two sides will meet at Old Traford eight days later.