Two goals from Lionel Messi and one apiece for Xavi and Crisitan Tello were enough to give Barcelona a 4-2 win over Real Mallorca.
With Tito Vilanova's side looking to bounce back from their surprise midweek defeat to Celtic, it was perhaps no surprise to see them dominate the opening exchanges.
The attacking triumvirate of David Villa, Messi and Tello were causing problems with their inter-play and movement, but it was the right-back, Dani Alves, who had the first real opportunity – firing a long-range effort straight at Dudu Aouate inside 10 minutes.
Joaquin Caparros’ side were threatening on the counter-attack though, and could have opened the scoring themselves midway through the half, only for Marti’s header to go wide of the post.
All the Blaugrana’s possession eventually resulted in the opening goal on 28 minutes. A Xavi free-kick from the edge of the area, dipped over the wall, and flew into the top left-hand corner.
The Catalan side continued to press for another, and they got it late on, as Messi waltzed through on goal, and smashed an effort under Aouate.
The home side completely capitulated in the ending few seconds, conceding a third, as Tello cut inside on his right foot, and curled his effort into the far corner.
After the break, the Islanders came out fighting and against the odds, pulled two goals back in quick succession.
First, a Victor pass found Michael Pereira, who lifted his shot over Victor Valdes. And then just three minutes later, Sergio Busquets handled the ball inside the area, and Victor slotted home the resulting spot kick.
The fight-back didn’t materialise though, as with 20 minute remaining, a chest-pass from Alexis Sanchez found Messi, who fired in from the edge of the area to give Barca a deserved three points.
Real Mallorca 2-4 Barcelona
Scorers: Pereira 55 (RM), Victor 58 (RM); Xavi 28 (B), Messi 44, 70 (B), Tello 45 (B)
Real Mallorca: Aouate; Ximo (Fernandez 82), Geromel, Conceicao, Bigas; Nsue, Pina, Marti (Fontas 74), Pereira; Victor, Hemed (Alfaro 45)
Barcelona: Valdes; Alves, Pique, Mascherano (Bartra 84), Alba (Montoya 87); Busquets, Xavi, Fabregas; Villa (Sanchez 66), Messi, Tello
