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Everything began in Scotland and this impressive streak remains unbroken. That memorable evening at Hampden represented only Luis de la Fuente's second as Spain's manager; numerous observers thought it could turn out to be his last match in charge. Despite a pair of Scott McTominay goals defeating La Furia Roja, whereas virtually everyone expected his tenure would be short-lived, De la Fuente talked about a pathway emerging - and remarkably, the manager previously criticized of being unrealistic proved correct.

Three years 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 historic record.

Midfield Masterclass and Merino's Impact

On a night when Pedri featured and Mikel Merino created the difference, Spain overcame Bulgaria four-nil to secure 12 points from 12 in qualifying, nearing advancement. The Arsenal playmaker and occasional striker scored the first two goals and might have secured his second three-goal haul in three recent Spain matches but when fouled in the closing minute, he generously handed the spot-kick to Mikel Oyarzabal instead.

Thus it was La Real attacker, scorer of the decisive goal in the Euro 2024 showpiece, who continued the impressive sequence, matching what Vicente del Bosque's golden generation achieved between 2010 and 2013.

Historic Achievement

Now, you might have noticed the asterisk, and rightly so. Although FIFA might not classify it as a defeat, during this remarkable run Spain actually lose once – seven-five on penalties to Portugal in the continental tournament decider back in June. Yet formally at least, this current team has equaled that historic squad against which all Spanish sides are measured.

Win in Georgia in a month and the record will be exclusively theirs. Along the way they captured the Nations League in 2023, the European Championships in 2024 and advanced to a Nations League final in 2025; they approach 2026 ranked No. 1, among the favorites once more, reminiscent of previous eras.

Total Control

The match represented "only" versus Bulgaria, it is true, just as previous matches against Georgia, Bulgaria, and Turkey but that's four wins from four outings, aggregate score fifteen-zero. There were two instances immediately after La Selección scored their first two goals – the third being an self-inflicted – but ultimately their opponents had not been permitted a solitary shot on target.

Overall statistics read: thirty-three to three, Spain demonstrably playing as Spain. Bulgaria's coach had admitted the only objective his team could have was to hold out as long as possible. As it turned out, that defensive effort lasted 33 minutes, and Merino's header represented Spain's 18th attempt on target already.

Midfield Brilliance

This performance was about the entire team, but at the core of it was Pedri, ubiquitous and nowhere at once: present for Spain, absent for Bulgaria, incapable to detect him as he flitted through their lines. He completed one hundred and one passes by the time he was withdrawn to a standing ovation on 66 minutes, and his were the instances of greatest subtlety, the finest touches and the most incisive too.

When the Valladolid stadium sang his name during the first half, he had just slipped unnoticed into the area once more, dinking his shot over Svetoslav Vutsov and onto the woodwork, but it was not just that. He had previously floated a magnificent pass into Álex Baena to volley wide and delivered an additional back from which Baena was denied.

Sustained Attack

A disguised delivery had created opportunity for Samu Aghehowa up for what ought to have been the opener, and a neat pass saw Oyarzabal scuff his shot. He got a chance of his own only to fail 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 88% of the possession, now had the advantage. The heat map appeared like they had run out of spray paint half way through and a little later Aghehowa could have made it two-nil.

Brief Resistance

But then in part it's the uncertainty, even the unfairness, that makes football special. And the initial occasion Bulgaria got into Spain's territory they might have equalized, Kiril Despodov abruptly breaking away and hitting the side-netting.

Introduced for Aghehowa at the half-time, Borja Iglesias had three chances in as many minutes before Merino did it once more. The delivery from the left flank was superb from Álex Grimaldo and there, jumping above everyone, was Merino to direct the header downward and dash off to do laps round the corner flag.

Final Moments

Similar to their reaction after the opener, Bulgaria escaped once more, Despodov played through and putting his and their following shot wide and yet 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. Yet it was not completely done, Merino kicked in the shins and stepping aside to let Oyarzabal blast in the ninety-ninth goal of De la Fuente's continuing reign.