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It all commenced in Scotland and the momentum remains unbroken. That memorable evening at Hampden represented merely Luis de la Fuente's second as Spain's manager; numerous observers thought it might prove to be his final assignment. Although two Scott McTominay goals overcoming La Furia Roja, whereas almost all spectators expected his spell would be short-lived, De la Fuente talked about a route opening - and interestingly, the man once accused of being unrealistic turned out right.

36 months and later, Spain advanced to within touching distance of World Cup qualification, while simultaneously racking up their twenty-ninth straight official game unbeaten, matching the historic record.

Midfield Masterclass and Merino's Impact

During an evening when Pedri featured and Mikel Merino made the difference, Spain overcame Bulgaria four-nil to secure a perfect dozen from twelve in World Cup qualification, edging closer. The Arsenal playmaker and occasional striker netted the opening two goals and could have earned his second hat-trick in three recent Spain matches but after fouled in the final minute, he selflessly passed the spot-kick to Mikel Oyarzabal instead.

Therefore it was the Real Sociedad striker, scorer of the decisive goal in the Euro 2024 showpiece, who continued the remarkable sequence, matching what Vicente del Bosque's golden generation achieved between 2010 and 2013.

Historic Achievement

Currently, readers may have observed the symbol, and rightly so. Although FIFA might not count it as a loss, during this remarkable run Spain actually lose once – 7-5 on penalties to Portugal in the continental tournament decider back in June. Yet officially at least, this current team has equaled that legendary team against which all Spanish national teams are compared.

Victory in Georgia in a month and the record will be theirs alone. En route they captured the Nations League in 2023, the European Championships in 2024 and advanced to a Nations League final in 2025; they approach 2026 ranked number one, among the frontrunners once more, reminiscent of old times.

Complete Domination

The match represented "only" against Bulgaria, admittedly, similar to previous matches 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 scored their opening goals – the third being an own goal – but eventually their rivals had not been allowed a single shot on target.

The total statistics read: 33-3, Spain demonstrably being Spain. Bulgaria's coach had confessed the only objective his team could have was to hold out as long as possible. Ultimately, that defensive effort lasted 33 minutes, and Merino's header represented Spain's eighteenth attempt on target already.

Pedri's Masterclass

This performance was about all of them, but at the core of it was Pedri, everywhere and elusive simultaneously: present for Spain, nowhere for Bulgaria, incapable to track him as he darted through their defense. He completed 101 passes by the time he was withdrawn to a standing ovation on 66 minutes, and his were the moments of greatest subtlety, the most exquisite touches and the most incisive too.

When the José Zorrilla chanted his name midway the first half, he had just drifted unmarked into the penalty box once more, chipping his shot over Svetoslav Vutsov and onto the woodwork, but it was not only that. He had already floated a gorgeous pass into Álex Baena to volley wide and pulled another back from which Baena was blocked.

Continued Pressure

A disguised pass had created opportunity for Samu Aghehowa up for what should have been the first goal, and a neat lay-off saw Oyarzabal scuff his attempt. He received a chance of his own only to fail to find a clean contact, volleying wide.

But then, shortly after, he delivered another ball in. This time Robin Le Normand headed across and Merino directed in. Spain, who had eighty-eight percent of the ball, then had the lead. The heat map looked like they had exhausted supply of spray paint midway through and a moment later Aghehowa could have made it two-nil.

Brief Resistance

But then in part it's the uncertainty, even the unfairness, that makes football great. And the initial occasion Bulgaria advanced into Spain's territory they might have leveled the score, Kiril Despodov suddenly sprinting away and hitting the side-netting.

Introduced for Aghehowa at the half-time, Borja Iglesias had multiple chances in as many minutes before Merino did it once more. The delivery from the left was superb from Álex Grimaldo and there, leaping above everyone, was Merino to power the header down and dash off to celebrate round the corner flag.

Final Moments

Similar to their reaction after the first goal, Bulgaria survived once more, Despodov played through and putting his and their second shot wide and nevertheless the initial instance the away team had a shot on target it was at the wrong end, Atanas Chernev turning into his own net. Yet it was not completely finished, Merino kicked in the legs and stepping aside to let Oyarzabal smash in the 99th goal of De la Fuente's continuing reign.