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It all began in Scotland and the momentum continues. That memorable evening at Hampden marked merely Luis de la Fuente's second outing as Spain's head coach; many believed it could turn out to be his last match in charge. Although two Scott McTominay goals defeating the Spanish national team, while virtually everyone anticipated his spell would be short-lived, the coach spoke about a route opening - and remarkably, the manager once accused of living in Disneyland proved right.

Three years and later, Spain advanced to within touching distance of global football qualification, and also achieving their 29th straight competitive game without defeat, matching the historic record.

Midfield Masterclass and Merino's Impact

On a night when Pedri played and Mikel Merino created the difference, Spain overcame Bulgaria 4-0 to accumulate 12 points from 12 in World Cup qualification, nearing advancement. The Gunners' midfielder and occasional striker scored the opening two goals and could have earned his second consecutive hat-trick in three recent Spain matches but when brought down in the closing minute, he generously handed the spot-kick to Mikel Oyarzabal instead.

Thus it was the Real Sociedad attacker, scorer of the decisive goal in the European Championship final, who continued the remarkable sequence, equaling what Vicente del Bosque's legendary squad achieved between 2010 and 2013.

Record Equaled

Now, you might have observed the asterisk, and correctly so. Although FIFA may not classify it as a loss, during this remarkable run Spain actually suffer defeat once – seven-five on penalties to Portugal in the Nations League final back in June. Yet officially at least, this present team has matched that legendary team against which all Spanish sides are compared.

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

Complete Domination

This was "only" against Bulgaria, admittedly, similar to previous encounters against Georgia, Bulgaria, and Turkey but that's four wins from four outings, aggregate score 15-0. Occurred two instances immediately after the Spanish team scored their first two goals – the third being an self-inflicted – but ultimately their opponents had not been permitted a single shot on target.

The total count showed: 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 they could. Ultimately, that defensive effort lasted thirty-three minutes, and Merino's header represented Spain's eighteenth attempt on target by that point.

Pedri's Masterclass

The display 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 flitted through their lines. He completed one hundred and one passes by the time he was substituted to a standing ovation on 66 minutes, and his were the moments of utmost subtlety, the most exquisite touches and the sharpest too.

When the José Zorrilla sang his name midway the first half, he had just drifted unmarked into the area again, chipping his shot over Svetoslav Vutsov and onto the woodwork, but it was not just that. He had already floated a gorgeous pass into Álex Baena to volley wide and pulled an additional pass from which Baena was denied.

Continued Pressure

An cleverly weighted delivery had set Samu Aghehowa up for what ought to have been the opener, and a precise lay-off saw Oyarzabal mishit his shot. He received a opportunity of his own only to fail to find a proper contact, volleying wide.

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

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 suddenly sprinting away and striking the outside of the net.

Brought on for Aghehowa at the half-time, 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, jumping above everyone, was Merino to power the header down and sprint to do laps round the corner flag.

Final Moments

As they had after the opener, Bulgaria survived once more, Despodov sent through and sending his and their following shot wide and yet the initial instance the visitors had a shot on target it was at the incorrect goal, Atanas Chernev deflecting into his team's goal. Yet 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 reign.