Two first half goals in the space of six minutes from Brazilian striker Sonny Anderson and Jose Mari at El Madrigal was enough to give the Spaniards an advantage for the second leg at Stadio Olimpico in a fortnight's time.
Villarreal deservedly went in front as Jose Mari fed a through ball to Anderson, who charged in from the right before controlling the ball and turning it into the top corner with his left foot past Roma goalkeeper Carlo Zotti.
They doubled their lead ten minutes before half time when Jose Mari was left completely unmarked in the box to rise and head Roger's corner past Zotti for 2-0.
Fabio Capello's men tried to get back into the match by scoring a valuable away goal in the second half but Villarreal held strong to keep an important clean sheet and take a solid advantage for the second leg on March 25.
