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It all started in Scottish soil and the momentum persists. That fateful night at Hampden represented merely Luis de la Fuente's second outing as Spain's manager; numerous observers thought it could prove to be his final match in charge. Despite a pair of Scott McTominay goals overcoming the Spanish national team, whereas almost all spectators anticipated his spell would be short-lived, De la Fuente talked about a pathway opening - and interestingly, the manager previously criticized of living in Disneyland turned out correct.

36 months and four days, Spain advanced to within touching distance of global football qualification, while simultaneously achieving their 29th straight official game without defeat, matching the historic record.

Pedri's Influence and Merino's Impact

During an evening when Pedri played and Mikel Merino created the difference, Spain defeated Bulgaria 4-0 to accumulate a perfect dozen from 12 in World Cup qualification, edging closer. The Arsenal midfielder and occasional striker netted the first two goals and could have earned his second consecutive three-goal haul in three Spain appearances but after fouled in the final minute, he selflessly passed the penalty to Mikel Oyarzabal instead.

Therefore it was the Real Sociedad attacker, goal-getter of the decisive goal in the European Championship showpiece, who maintained the remarkable sequence, matching what Vicente del Bosque's golden generation accomplished between 2010 and 2013.

Historic Achievement

Now, readers may have observed the asterisk, and rightly so. While FIFA may not count it as a loss, during this remarkable run Spain actually suffer defeat once – seven-five on penalties to Portugal in the continental tournament decider back in June. However formally at least, this current team has equaled that legendary team against which all Spanish sides are measured.

Win in Georgia in a month and the achievement will be exclusively theirs. En route they won the Nations League in 2023, the European Championships in 2024 and reached a Nations League final in 2025; they head toward 2026 sitting number one, among the frontrunners once more, just like old times.

Complete Domination

The match represented "only" versus Bulgaria, admittedly, similar to previous encounters against Georgia, Bulgaria, and Turkey but that's four victories from four outings, combined score fifteen-zero. There were two instances immediately after the Spanish team obtained their first two goals – the third strike being an own goal – but eventually their rivals had not been permitted a solitary shot on target.

The total count showed: thirty-three to three, Spain demonstrably being Spain. Bulgaria's coach had admitted the only objective his team could have was to resist as long as they could. As it turned out, that defensive effort lasted 33 minutes, and Merino's header constituted Spain's eighteenth attempt on target by that point.

Pedri's Masterclass

This performance was about the entire team, but at the core of it was Pedri, everywhere and elusive simultaneously: present for Spain, nowhere for Bulgaria, unable to detect him as he darted through their lines. He completed 101 passes by the time he was substituted to a rapturous applause on 66 minutes, and his were the instances of utmost subtlety, the most exquisite touches and the sharpest too.

When the José Zorrilla chanted his name midway the opening period, he had just slipped unnoticed into the penalty box once more, chipping his shot over Svetoslav Vutsov and onto the woodwork, but it was not only that. He had previously floated a gorgeous pass into Álex Baena to strike wide and delivered an additional back from which Baena was denied.

Continued Pressure

A disguised delivery had created opportunity for Samu Aghehowa up for what should have been the first goal, and a precise lay-off saw Oyarzabal mishit his shot. He received a chance of his own only to fail to find a proper contact, volleying wide.

But then, almost immediately after, he delivered an additional ball in. This time Robin Le Normand headed across and Merino headed in. Spain, who had eighty-eight percent of the ball, now had the advantage. The heat map looked like they had run out of marking paint midway through and a moment later Aghehowa might have made it two-nil.

Momentary Threat

But then in part it's the uncertainty, even the unfairness, that makes football special. And the first time Bulgaria got into Spain's territory they might have leveled the score, Kiril Despodov abruptly sprinting away and striking the outside of the net.

Brought on for Aghehowa at the break, Borja Iglesias had three opportunities in as many minutes before Merino did it once more. The delivery from the left was excellent from Álex Grimaldo and there, jumping above everyone, was Merino to power the header down and sprint to do laps around the corner flag.

Closing Stages

Similar to their reaction after the opener, Bulgaria escaped once more, Despodov sent through and putting his and their following shot wide and yet the first time the away team had a shot on target it was at the incorrect goal, Atanas Chernev deflecting into his team's goal. Yet it was not quite done, Merino fouled in the legs and allowing to let Oyarzabal blast in the ninety-ninth goal of De la Fuente's ongoing tenure.