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It all started in Scotland and this impressive streak persists. That fateful night at Hampden marked merely Luis de la Fuente's second as Spain's manager; numerous observers thought it could prove to be his last match in charge. Despite two Scott McTominay goals overcoming La Furia Roja, whereas virtually everyone expected his spell would be brief, De la Fuente talked about a route opening - and interestingly, the man previously criticized of living in Disneyland turned out right.

Three years and four days, Spain moved extremely close of global football participation, and also racking up their 29th consecutive competitive game unbeaten, equaling the historic record.

Pedri's Influence and Merino's Impact

During an evening 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 playmaker and occasional forward netted the opening two goals and could have earned his second consecutive three-goal haul in three recent Spain appearances but when fouled in the final minute, he generously handed the penalty to Mikel Oyarzabal instead.

Thus it was La Real attacker, goal-getter of the winning goal in the European Championship showpiece, who continued the impressive sequence, matching what Vicente del Bosque's legendary squad accomplished between 2010 and 2013.

Historic Achievement

Now, readers may have noticed the symbol, and rightly so. While FIFA might not classify it as a defeat, during this remarkable run Spain did suffer defeat once – seven-five on penalties to Portugal in the Nations League decider back in June. Yet officially at least, this present team has matched that legendary team against which all Spanish national teams are compared.

Win in Georgia in a month and the achievement will be theirs alone. En route they won the Nations League in 2023, the European Championships in 2024 and advanced to a Nations League final in 2025; they head toward 2026 ranked No. 1, among the frontrunners once more, reminiscent of old times.

Complete Domination

This was "only" versus Bulgaria, it is true, similar to previous matches against Georgia, Bulgaria, and Turkey but that's four victories from four, aggregate score 15-0. Occurred two instances immediately after the Spanish team obtained their first two goals – the third strike being an self-inflicted – but ultimately their rivals had not been allowed a single shot on target.

Overall count showed: thirty-three to three, Spain clearly being Spain. Bulgaria's coach had admitted the sole objective his team could have was to hold out as long as possible. As it turned out, that defensive effort lasted thirty-three minutes, and Merino's header represented Spain's eighteenth attempt on target already.

Pedri's Masterclass

The display was about the entire team, but at the core of it was Pedri, everywhere and nowhere at once: everywhere for Spain, absent for Bulgaria, incapable to detect him as he flitted through their lines. He executed one hundred and one passes by the time he was withdrawn to a standing ovation on 66 minutes, and his were the instances of utmost subtlety, the finest touches and the sharpest too.

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

Continued Pressure

An cleverly weighted delivery had created opportunity for Samu Aghehowa up for what should have been the first goal, and a neat lay-off saw Oyarzabal scuff his shot. He received a opportunity of his own only to be unable to find a clean contact, striking wide.

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

Momentary Threat

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

Brought on for Aghehowa at the break, Borja Iglesias had multiple chances in as many minutes before Merino scored again. The delivery from the left flank was excellent from Álex Grimaldo and there, leaping above everyone, was Merino to power the header down and dash off to do laps round the corner flag.

Final Moments

As they had after the opener, Bulgaria survived again, Despodov sent through and sending his and their following shot wide and nevertheless the initial instance the visitors had a shot on target it was at the wrong end, Atanas Chernev deflecting into his team's goal. Still it was not completely finished, Merino kicked in the shins and stepping aside to let Oyarzabal smash in the 99th goal of De la Fuente's ongoing tenure.