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Everything began in Scotland and this impressive streak remains unbroken. That fateful evening at Hampden marked merely Luis de la Fuente's second outing as Spain's manager; numerous observers thought it could turn out to be his last assignment. Although a pair of Scott McTominay goals defeating the Spanish national team, while almost all spectators expected his tenure would be short-lived, the coach spoke about a pathway opening - and remarkably, the manager previously criticized of living in Disneyland proved right.

36 months and four days, Spain moved to within touching distance of global football participation, and also achieving their twenty-ninth straight official game without defeat, matching the legendary record.

Midfield Masterclass and Merino's Impact

During an evening when Pedri featured and Mikel Merino made the decisive impact, Spain overcame Bulgaria 4-0 to secure a perfect dozen from 12 in World Cup qualification, nearing advancement. The Gunners' playmaker and sometime striker netted the opening two goals and might have earned his second consecutive three-goal haul in three Spain appearances but after brought down in the final minute, he selflessly passed the spot-kick to Mikel Oyarzabal instead.

Thus it was La Real striker, scorer of the winning goal in the Euro 2024 final, who continued the impressive sequence, equaling what Vicente del Bosque's legendary squad achieved between 2010 and 2013.

Record Equaled

Currently, readers may have observed the symbol, and rightly so. Although FIFA may not count it as a loss, during this impressive run Spain did lose once – seven-five on penalties to Portugal in the continental tournament decider back in June. However formally at least, this current team has matched that historic squad against which all Spanish sides are measured.

Victory in Georgia in a month and the achievement will be exclusively theirs. Along the way they won 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 frontrunners once more, just like old times.

Complete Domination

The match represented "only" versus Bulgaria, it is true, similar to previous encounters against Georgia, Bulgaria, and Turkey but that's four wins from four, combined score 15-0. There were two moments immediately after the Spanish team scored their first two goals – the third being an own goal – but ultimately their rivals had not been allowed a single shot on target.

The total count read: thirty-three to three, 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 resistance lasted 33 minutes, and Merino's header represented Spain's 18th attempt on target by that point.

Midfield Brilliance

The display was about the entire team, but at the core of it was Pedri, everywhere and elusive at once: everywhere for Spain, absent for Bulgaria, unable to track him as he darted through their lines. He completed one hundred and one passes by the time he was substituted to a standing ovation on the sixty-sixth minute, 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 opening period, he had just slipped unnoticed into the area again, chipping his shot over Svetoslav Vutsov and onto the woodwork, but it was not only that. He had previously lifted a gorgeous pass into Álex Baena to volley wide and delivered an additional pass from which Baena was denied.

Continued Pressure

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

But then, almost immediately after, he floated an additional ball in. This time Robin Le Normand nodded across and Merino headed in. Spain, who had 88% of the ball, now had the advantage. The positioning chart appeared like they had exhausted supply of marking paint half way through and a moment later Aghehowa might have made it two.

Momentary Threat

But then in part it's the unpredictability, even the unfairness, that makes football special. And the initial occasion Bulgaria got into Spain's half they might have leveled the score, Kiril Despodov abruptly sprinting away and hitting the outside of the net.

Brought on for Aghehowa at the break, Borja Iglesias had multiple chances in as many minutes before Merino did it again. The delivery from the left flank was excellent from Álex Grimaldo and there, leaping above all defenders, was Merino to direct the header down and sprint to celebrate around the corner flag.

Closing Stages

Similar to their reaction after the first goal, Bulgaria escaped again, Despodov sent through and sending his and their following shot wide and nevertheless the first time 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 legs and stepping aside to let Oyarzabal blast in the ninety-ninth goal of De la Fuente's continuing reign.