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It all began in Scottish soil and the momentum continues. That memorable evening at Hampden marked only Luis de la Fuente's second outing as Spain's head coach; many believed it might turn out to be his final match in charge. Despite a pair of Scott McTominay goals overcoming La Furia Roja, whereas almost all spectators anticipated his spell would be brief, De la Fuente spoke about a pathway opening - and interestingly, the manager previously criticized of living in Disneyland turned out right.

Three years and later, Spain moved extremely close of global football participation, and also achieving their 29th consecutive official game without defeat, equaling the legendary record.

Midfield Masterclass and Merino's Impact

During an evening when Pedri played and Mikel Merino made the difference, Spain defeated Bulgaria 4-0 to accumulate 12 points from twelve in World Cup qualification, edging closer. The Gunners' playmaker and sometime forward netted the opening two goals and could have earned his second consecutive three-goal haul in three Spain matches but after fouled in the final minute, he generously handed the spot-kick to Mikel Oyarzabal instead.

Thus it was the Real Sociedad attacker, scorer of the winning goal in the Euro 2024 final, who continued the remarkable sequence, equaling what Vicente del Bosque's golden generation accomplished between 2010 and 2013.

Historic Achievement

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

Win 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 advanced to a Nations League final in 2025; they approach 2026 sitting number one, among the frontrunners once more, just like previous eras.

Complete Domination

This was "only" versus Bulgaria, admittedly, similar to previous matches against Georgia, Bulgaria, and Turkey but that's four wins from four, combined score fifteen-zero. Occurred two moments immediately after La Selección obtained their opening goals – the third strike being an own goal – but eventually their opponents had not been allowed a solitary shot on target.

Overall statistics showed: 33-3, Spain clearly playing as Spain. Bulgaria's coach had confessed the sole objective his team could have was to hold out as long as possible. Ultimately, that resistance 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 heart of it was Pedri, ubiquitous and elusive at once: everywhere for Spain, absent for Bulgaria, unable 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 most exquisite touches and the sharpest too.

When the Valladolid stadium sang his name midway the opening period, he had just slipped unnoticed into the area once more, chipping his shot over Svetoslav Vutsov and onto the crossbar, but it was not only that. He had previously floated a magnificent pass into Álex Baena to strike wide and pulled another pass from which Baena was denied.

Sustained Attack

A disguised pass had set Samu Aghehowa up for what should have been the first goal, and a neat pass saw Oyarzabal mishit his shot. He received a opportunity of his own only to be unable to find a proper connection, striking wide.

But then, shortly after, he delivered another ball in. This time Robin Le Normand nodded across and Merino headed in. Spain, who had eighty-eight percent of the possession, now had the advantage. The positioning chart appeared like they had run out of marking paint midway through and a moment later Aghehowa could have made it two.

Brief Resistance

But then in part it's the unpredictability, even the injustice, that makes football great. And the first time Bulgaria got into Spain's half they could have equalized, Kiril Despodov abruptly breaking away and striking the side-netting.

Brought on for Aghehowa at the break, Borja Iglesias had three chances in as many minutes before Merino scored once more. The delivery from the left flank was excellent from Álex Grimaldo and there, leaping above all defenders, was Merino to direct the header downward and dash off to do laps round the flagpost.

Closing Stages

As they had after the opener, Bulgaria survived again, Despodov played through and sending his and their following shot wide and nevertheless the initial instance the away team had a shot on target it was at the incorrect goal, Atanas Chernev deflecting into his team's goal. Still it was not completely done, Merino fouled in the shins and stepping aside to let Oyarzabal blast in the ninety-ninth goal of De la Fuente's continuing tenure.