Thierry Henry lashed a superb first-time shot against the bar and Pedro controlled the rebound on his chest before arrowing a drive into the far corner of the net.The visitors worked well to deny space to Barca's creative midfielders and David Fuster had a chance to level just before the half hour but his downward header bounced just over the bar.
Fuster made amends six minutes after the break when he met Cani's cross at the far post and beat goalkeeper Victor Valdes with a low half-volley.
With the rain lashing down, Villarreal keeper Diego Lopez palmed away a curling effort from substitute Andres Iniesta in the 65th minute and Barca captain Carles Puyol cleared a Giuseppe Rossi effort off the line in the 87th.
Guardiola had warned his all-conquering side against complacency before the match and said the result would make the players stronger and more committed.
"It was a very tough game, returning from the holidays to play one of the best teams like Villarreal," he said.
The team needed to "fine-tune a few things" and recuperate for Tuesday's King's Cup last 16, first leg match against Sevilla, he added.
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