The win over Argentina's Nalbandian sets up a semi-final clash against world number three Roger Fededer, who won his quarter-final match against another Argentinian, Juan Martin del Potro, 6-3, 6-2.
Federer and Nadal have met 27 times previously with Nadal having won 18.
"We played 27 times. It will be the first time here at Indian Wells," Nadal said.
Nadal, who hit three aces, clinched the victory in the 10th game of the final set Friday when Nalbandian's running backhand went wide.
Nalbandian's momentum carried him forward and he almost crashed into his chair but managed to kick it over instead. He then congratulated Nadal on the win.
Nadal had reached the quarters without dropping a set in the hardcourt tournament but he got off to rocky start against Nalbandian.
Nalbandian broke Nadal for the first time in the final game of the first set to win the set in 49 minutes. He hit a nice forehand drop shot that landed just over the net to make it 30-40. Nalbandian then closed the door with a forehand winner down the line to take the set 6-4.
In both the second and eighth games of the second set, Nadal had to scramble to hold serve. In the eighth, Nadal eventually held by finishing it off with a 124 mph ace.
Nalbandian was serving in the 11th game of the second set when he was broken for the first time in the match. He handed the game to Nadal with a double fault on the final point, setting the stage for Nadal to serve for the set.
Nadal then started the third set with another break of Nalbandian's serve as he began to take control of the match.
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