The winter break is over and Barcelona resumed where they had left off, with a win. Aduriz gave Mallorca an early lead but within a few minutes Thierry Henry slotted home the equaliser.
Iniesta and Yaya added two more to give Barcelona a comfortable 3-1 win over the islanders. Mallorca ended the match with ten men after Josemi picked up a second booking and was sent packing.
Valencia are, at least temporarily, up to second place after a 3-1 win against Atlético Madrid.
David Villa opened the scoring from the penalty spot and then Silva added another a few minutes later. Forlan pulled one back for Atlético, another penalty decision, but Silva grabbed his second of the night to give Valencia the three points.