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It all began in Scottish soil and the momentum remains unbroken. That fateful evening at Hampden represented only Luis de la Fuente's second outing as Spain's manager; many believed it could prove to be his last assignment. Although a pair of Scott McTominay goals defeating La Furia Roja, whereas almost all spectators expected his spell would be short-lived, the coach talked about a pathway opening - and interestingly, the manager previously criticized of being unrealistic turned out correct.

36 months and later, Spain moved to within touching distance of World Cup qualification, while simultaneously racking up their 29th consecutive official game without defeat, matching the historic record.

Pedri's Influence and Merino's Impact

On a night when Pedri featured and Mikel Merino made the difference, Spain overcame Bulgaria 4-0 to accumulate a perfect dozen from twelve in qualifying, nearing advancement. The Gunners' playmaker and occasional forward scored the first two goals and might have secured his second consecutive three-goal haul in three recent Spain matches but after brought down in the closing minute, he generously handed the penalty to Mikel Oyarzabal instead.

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

Historic Achievement

Now, you might have observed the symbol, and correctly so. While FIFA might not classify it as a loss, during this impressive run Spain actually suffer defeat once – seven-five on penalties to Portugal in the Nations League decider back in June. However officially at least, this current team has equaled that legendary squad against which all Spanish sides are compared.

Win in Georgia in thirty days and the achievement will be theirs alone. En route they won the Nations League in 2023, the European Championships in 2024 and reached a Nations League final in 2025; they approach 2026 sitting No. 1, among the favorites once more, just like old times.

Total Control

This was "only" versus Bulgaria, admittedly, similar to previous matches against Georgia, Bulgaria, and Turkey but that's four victories from four, combined score fifteen-zero. There were two instances immediately after La Selección obtained their first two goals – the third strike being an self-inflicted – but ultimately their opponents had not been permitted a single shot on target.

Overall statistics read: 33-3, Spain demonstrably playing as Spain. Bulgaria's coach had admitted the sole objective his team could have was to resist as long as possible. Ultimately, that defensive effort lasted 33 minutes, and Merino's header constituted Spain's eighteenth attempt on target already.

Midfield Brilliance

This performance was about the entire team, but at the heart of it was Pedri, everywhere and nowhere at once: everywhere for Spain, nowhere for Bulgaria, unable to detect him as he flitted through their defense. He executed 101 passes by the time he was withdrawn to a standing ovation on the sixty-sixth minute, and his were the instances of utmost subtlety, the most exquisite touches and the most incisive as well.

When the José Zorrilla sang his name midway the opening period, he had just slipped unnoticed into the area once more, dinking his shot over Svetoslav Vutsov and onto the crossbar, but it was not only that. He had already floated a magnificent pass into Álex Baena to volley wide and delivered another pass from which Baena was denied.

Sustained Attack

A disguised delivery had created opportunity for Samu Aghehowa up for what ought to have been the first goal, and a precise pass saw Oyarzabal mishit his shot. He got a chance of his own only to be unable to find a proper contact, striking wide.

But then, almost immediately after, he delivered another ball in. This time Robin Le Normand nodded across and Merino directed in. Spain, who had 88% of the possession, now had the advantage. The positioning chart looked like they had run out of marking paint midway through and a moment later Aghehowa might have made it two-nil.

Brief Resistance

But then in part it's the uncertainty, even the injustice, that makes football great. And the initial occasion Bulgaria advanced into Spain's territory they might have leveled the score, Kiril Despodov suddenly breaking away and hitting the outside of the net.

Brought on for Aghehowa at the half-time, Borja Iglesias had multiple opportunities in as many minutes before Merino did it once more. The delivery from the left was excellent from Álex Grimaldo and there, jumping above all defenders, was Merino to power the header downward and sprint to do laps round the flagpost.

Final Moments

As they had after the first goal, Bulgaria escaped again, Despodov played through and putting 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 quite done, Merino fouled in the shins and allowing to let Oyarzabal smash in the ninety-ninth goal of De la Fuente's ongoing reign.