Madrid  - Spanish leaders Barcelona kicked off 2009 with a 3- 1 comeback at home over lowly Mallorca, a win that leaves them with a 13-point lead.

Record-breaking Barca now have 44 points from 17 games - the highest-ever total at this stage of the season - 13 more than second- place Sevilla, who are at home Sunday to bottom team Osasuna.

"It was a great way for us to start the year," said Thierry Henry, scorer of Barca's first goal.

Barca coach Josep Guardiola raised eyebrows by leaving Lionel Messi - who returned late from holiday - in the stands, and Daniel Alves on the bench. The tight win, however, tends to vindicate his "rotation" policy, though his team did not play particularly well.

Aritz Aduriz gave Mallorca a shock lead in the 16th minute. The Basque striker took advantage of a mistake by Yaya Toure, powered his way through the slow Barca defence and scored with a classy chip.

Twelve minutes later, with Barca finally coming to life, Eidur Gudjohnsen hit the Mallorca crossbar.

In the 32nd minute, Henry made it 1-1 with a left-footed cross- shot, after the Mallorca defence had failed to clear a Xavi corner.

Mallorca were pinned back into their own half throughout the second half, desperate to hold on for a draw.

In the 76th minute, supersub Andres Iniesta, back after a three- month layoff, made it 2-1 by turning in a generous Gudjohnsen centre, with the Mallorca defence screaming for a non-existent offside.

Mallorca right-back Josemi was sent off at the end, before Yaya Toure made it 3-1 with a handsome solo goal, picking his way through the weary visiting defence.

The latest defeat leaves Mallorca fourth from bottom - with just 14 points - and coach Gregorio Manzano in hot water.

Later Saturday, Valencia and Atletico Madrid - joint third on 30 points - square off in Mestalla, both hoping to keep pace with runaway Barcelona. (dpa)