Mangy Maracana back in the game

Two goals in the opening eight minutes from Simone Zaza and Fabian Orellana blew the La Liga title race wide open as Valencia beat leader Real Madrid 2-1 on Wednesday.

The loss left Madrid’s lead over second-place Barcelona at just a point, with Sevilla three adrift in third, but the leader still has a game in hand over its nearest rivals.

“We lost this match in the opening 10 minutes, 10 bad minutes where we let two goals in,” Real coach Zinedine Zidane told Spanish TV.

“I’m not worried, I’m angry more than anything, because we only have ourselves to blame.”

Madrid fullback Marcelo agreed with his coach’s assessment.

“We’re still on top but we have to do something to change things, learn from our mistakes,” he said. “We got off poorly and it’s our own fault.” ’ Rio’s mythic Maracana stadium, which has fallen into disrepair since taking centerstage at the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Olympics, is due to reopen next month.

Left abandoned due to political and legal disputes over its upkeep, the legendary venue will stage its first game of the year on March 8 when Brazilian club Flamengo hosts Argentine side San Lorenzo in the Copa Libertadores.

The fabled arena is in a sorry state — the grass on the pitch is yellowing, the stands are rusting and thieves have stolen seats.

First opened in 1950, the 79,000-seat venue was renovated ahead of the 2014 World Cup for $372 million — twice the initial budget — in a project tainted by corruption allegations.

England midfielder Adam Lallana has signed a contract extension with Liverpool, the Premier League club said on Wednesday.

The Reds did not disclose the new deal’s length, but British media said it will expire in 2020, with an option for an extra 12 months.

The 28-year-old will report- edly earn around $140,000 a week.

Lallana, who arrived from Southampton in 2014, told Liverpool’s website: “I’m very proud and feel quite humbled by the show of faith from the club and the manager (Jurgen Klopp) in particular.

“Signing for a club like Liverpool is obviously a big thing, but to re-sign shows you’ve obviously contributed enough that the people who make the decisions want you to stay longer.” ter City strongly linked with the 29-year-old.

But Bauza, 59, would not be drawn on the superstar’s future.

“At Barcelona, Manchester City or wherever, that’s his decision to take. I just want him to play and that’s all.”