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Everything began in Scottish soil and this impressive streak continues. That memorable evening at Hampden represented merely Luis de la Fuente's second outing as Spain's manager; many believed it could turn out to be his final match in charge. Although a pair of Scott McTominay goals defeating the Spanish national team, whereas almost all spectators expected his spell would be brief, De la Fuente talked about a route emerging - and interestingly, the man once accused of living in Disneyland proved right.

36 months and four days, Spain advanced extremely close of global football participation, while simultaneously racking up their 29th consecutive competitive game without defeat, equaling the historic record.

Midfield Masterclass and Decisive Contribution

On a night when the Barcelona midfielder featured and Mikel Merino made the difference, Spain defeated Bulgaria four-nil to secure a perfect dozen from twelve in World Cup qualification, nearing advancement. The Arsenal midfielder and occasional forward scored the first two goals and could have secured his second consecutive hat-trick in three Spain appearances but after brought down in the closing minute, he selflessly passed the spot-kick to Mikel Oyarzabal instead.

Thus it was the Real Sociedad striker, scorer of the winning goal in the Euro 2024 final, who continued the impressive sequence, matching what Vicente del Bosque's legendary squad accomplished between 2010 and 2013.

Historic Achievement

Now, you might have observed the asterisk, and rightly so. Although FIFA may not count it as a loss, during this remarkable run Spain actually suffer defeat once – 7-5 on penalties to Portugal in the Nations League decider back in June. However officially at least, this present team has equaled that legendary squad against which all Spanish sides are compared.

Victory in Georgia in thirty days and the achievement will be theirs alone. Along the way 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 No. 1, among the favorites once more, reminiscent of old times.

Total Control

The match represented "only" versus Bulgaria, it is true, similar to previous matches against Georgia, Bulgaria, and Turkey but that's four wins from four, combined score fifteen-zero. Occurred two instances immediately after the Spanish team obtained their opening goals – the third strike being an self-inflicted – but eventually their rivals had not been allowed a single shot on target.

Overall count showed: 33-3, Spain demonstrably playing as Spain. Bulgaria's coach had confessed the sole objective his team could have was to resist as long as possible. As it turned out, that defensive effort lasted thirty-three minutes, and Merino's header represented Spain's 18th attempt on target already.

Pedri's Masterclass

This performance was about the entire team, but at the core of it was Pedri, everywhere and elusive at once: everywhere for Spain, absent for Bulgaria, incapable to track him as he darted through their defense. He completed 101 passes by the time he was substituted to a standing ovation on 66 minutes, and his were the instances of greatest subtlety, the finest touches and the most incisive as well.

When the Valladolid stadium sang his name during the opening period, he had just slipped unmarked into the penalty box again, dinking his shot over Svetoslav Vutsov and onto the woodwork, but it was not only that. He had already lifted a magnificent pass into Álex Baena to volley wide and pulled another pass from which Baena was blocked.

Sustained Attack

An cleverly weighted pass had set Samu Aghehowa up for what ought to have been the first goal, and a neat pass saw Oyarzabal scuff his attempt. He received a chance of his own only to fail to find a proper connection, striking wide.

But then, shortly after, he delivered an additional ball in. This time Robin Le Normand nodded across and Merino headed in. Spain, who had 88% of the ball, now had the lead. The positioning chart appeared like they had exhausted supply of marking paint half way through and a little later Aghehowa might have made it two-nil.

Momentary Threat

But then in part it's the unpredictability, even the unfairness, that makes football special. And the first time Bulgaria advanced into Spain's half they might have equalized, Kiril Despodov suddenly breaking away and hitting the side-netting.

Brought on for Aghehowa at the break, Borja Iglesias had three opportunities in as many minutes before Merino scored again. The cross from the left was superb from Álex Grimaldo and there, leaping above all defenders, was Merino to power the header downward and sprint to celebrate round the corner flag.

Closing Stages

Similar to their reaction after the opener, Bulgaria escaped again, Despodov played through and sending his and their second shot wide and nevertheless the first time the visitors had a shot on target it was at the wrong end, Atanas Chernev turning into his team's goal. Still it was not completely finished, Merino kicked in the legs and allowing to let Oyarzabal smash in the ninety-ninth goal of De la Fuente's ongoing reign.