MADRID — Barcelona began the defense of its La Liga title with a comfortable 3-0 win at Mallorca, scoring early and taking advantage of two first-half red cards for the host on Saturday.

Spanish champions Barcelona opened their Liga campaign on Saturday with an island cruise as they played almost an hour against nine men on their way to a 3-0 victory in Mallorca. Two of Barcelona'

In every La Liga season but one since 2012-13, the top three spots have been claimed by Atletico Madrid, Real Madrid and Barcelona, in one order or another.