Madrid, Dec 13 (DPA) Coach Marcelino Garcia is likely to be sacked by struggling Spanish Liga club Zaragoza after Saturday’s 2-1 defeat at home to Athletic Bilbao.

The latest defeat leaves Zaragoza fourth from bottom and Marcelino – who guided them back to the first division last season – on the verge of the axe.

Joaquin Caparros has built a vibrant young team at Bilbao, keeping with in the limits of the club’s all-Basque player policy, and his young charges are now seventh.

They went ahead in the 61st minute when Mikel San Jose headed in a centre from teenager Iker Muniain.

And eight minutes from time Muniain set up Markel Susaeta to make it 2-0 with his left foot.

Two minutes into injury time Carlos Diogo pulled back a goal for Zaragoza with a shot which took a deflection off Bilbao defender Amorebieta, but it came too late to save the hosts – and probably Marcelino.

Later Saturday, leaders Barcelona are at home to crosstown rivals Espanyol, then second-placed Real Madrid – who will be without Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka – are away to third-placed Valencia.