Unai Emery looking on with Hansi Flick in circular inset
Unai Emery looking on with Hansi Flick in circular inset
However, that result did not come without controversy, with several refereeing decisions coming under scrutiny.
Some of the challenges on display warranted a closer look, while other incidents raised questions about whether the correct decisions had been made on the pitch.
VAR was also lying in wait, looking to make any needed intervention, but even then, the technology may have fallen short.
There were a number of flashpoints that left players and supporters questioning the referee's judgement.
With three separate incidents standing out, referee Davide Massa did not have the greatest of nights.
Nicolas Jackson escapes possible red card
Nicolas Jackson was handed a yellow card for a stamp on Barcelona defender Pau Cubarsi in the 43rd minute.
There was plenty of force in the incident, but the official only provided a yellow card for the foul.
The Barcelona defender was left limping after the incident, while Jackson appeared to show little sympathy for his opponent as he gestured for him to get back to his feet.
On another night, and with a different referee, you would not be shocked to see it given as a red card.
Emi Buendia lucky to not be sent off
Emi Buendia's night at Camp Nou could have ended early.
In the 61st minute, the Argentine went quite high with his foot as he contested for a loose ball.
The Villa man almost connected with Barca goalkeeper Joan Garcia in the jaw, with the challenge both reckless and dangerous.
Even if referee Massa didn't feel it warranted a straight red, the South American was already on a yellow card, and could have seen his night end with a second.
In the end, he was allowed to stay on the pitch, but on another night, he may have been in the dressing room early.
Lamine Yamal avoids booking despite series of fouls
Lamine Yamal was fortunate to escape any booking at all against Aston Villa.
The 19-year-old committed four fouls on the night, with referee Massa refusing to award any booking.
While not every infringement necessarily warranted a booking, repeated offences and accumulation certainly should have led to one.
And a yellow card for the young Spaniard could have caused him to alter his approach to the match and change how the game played out.