Madrid - Pedro Rodriguez was the hero as Barcelona thrashed Mallorca 4-2 on Saturday to extend their lead at the top of the Spanish league to four points. The little winger shot Barca ahead after 12 minutes, then restored their lead in the 41st minute after Jose Carlos Nunes had equalized for Mallorca.
Barca now have 26 points from 10 games, four points more than Real Madrid, who are at crosstown rivals Atletico later Saturday.
Barca coach Josep Guardiola raised eyebrows by relegating Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Lionel Messi to the subs' bench, presumably in the belief that they were tired after Wednesday's 0-0 draw at Rubin Kazan.
Barca made an uncertain start. In the 12th minute, however, a classy backheel from Zlatan Ibrahimovic set up Pedro, who calmly made it 1-0 with his trusty left foot.
Just eight minutes later, Mallorca defender Nunes took advantage of some sloppy Barca defending to head in a shock equalizer.
Barca again seemed unsure of themselves but resumed control by scoring two somewhat fortunate goals just before half-time.
In the 41st minute, Pedro made it 2-1 after a series of rebounds in the 6-yard area. Three minutes later, Thierry Henry scored his first goal of the season, pushing the ball home after Sergio Busquets had headed across the Mallorca goal.
The second half only came to life at the end. Four minutes from time, Mallorca right-back Josemi pulled down Ib Rahimovic for a clear penalty, which was converted by Messi, who had just come on for Pedro.
In injury time, Alhassane Keita pulled back another consolation goal for Mallorca, who remain sixth.
Earlier Saturday, Deportivo Coruna had moved up to fourth with a 2-0 win at Getafe, despite having two men sent off.
Riki and Sergio Gonzalez were sent off for Deportivo, whose goals were scored by Mista and Luis Filipe.
Veteran Mista headed Deportivo ahead after 14 minutes, on a centre from man-of-the-match Luis Filipe. Thirteen minutes later Deportivo striker Riki received a harsh yellow card for handball and was sent off.
Getafe were unable to take advantage of their numerical superiority, and Luis Filipe made it 2-0 in the 59th minute after being set up by Mista.
Veteran Sergio was sent off 19 minutes from time, leaving Deportivo with nine men, but Miguel Angel Lotina's team had few problems in holding out for an important win.
Deportivo now have 19 points from 10 games, the same as third- placed Sevilla, who are at home to Villarreal on Sunday. They are now one point above Valencia, who host Zaragoza on Sunday.
Sunday's other early game was a lively 2-2 draw between relegation candidates Tenerife and Malaga, which takes Malaga off bottom place at the expense of Xerez.
