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Everything started in Scotland and the momentum persists. That fateful night at Hampden marked merely Luis de la Fuente's second as Spain's manager; numerous observers thought it might prove to be his final assignment. Although a pair of Scott McTominay goals overcoming the Spanish national team, while virtually everyone expected his spell would be short-lived, De la Fuente spoke about a route emerging - and interestingly, the manager once accused of living in Disneyland turned out right.

36 months and later, Spain advanced to within touching distance of World Cup qualification, and also achieving their 29th consecutive competitive game unbeaten, matching the legendary record.

Midfield Masterclass and Merino's Impact

During an evening when Pedri played and Mikel Merino made the difference, Spain defeated Bulgaria 4-0 to secure 12 points from 12 in qualifying, edging closer. The Arsenal midfielder and sometime striker scored the first two goals and might have earned his second consecutive hat-trick in three Spain matches but when brought down in the final minute, he generously handed the penalty to Mikel Oyarzabal instead.

Therefore it was the Real Sociedad striker, scorer of the decisive goal in the Euro 2024 final, who maintained the impressive sequence, matching what Vicente del Bosque's legendary squad achieved between 2010 and 2013.

Historic Achievement

Now, readers may have observed the symbol, and correctly so. Although FIFA may not count it as a defeat, during this impressive run Spain actually lose once – seven-five on penalties to Portugal in the continental tournament decider back in June. However officially at least, this present team has matched that historic squad against which all Spanish sides are compared.

Victory in Georgia in a month and the achievement will be theirs alone. Along the way 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 favorites once more, reminiscent of previous eras.

Complete Domination

The match represented "only" versus Bulgaria, it is true, similar to previous encounters against Georgia, Bulgaria, and Turkey but that's four victories from four outings, aggregate score fifteen-zero. Occurred two instances immediately after the Spanish team obtained their opening goals – the third strike being an own goal – but ultimately their opponents had not been permitted a solitary shot on target.

Overall statistics read: 33-3, Spain demonstrably being Spain. Bulgaria's coach had admitted the sole objective his team could have was to resist as long as they could. As it turned out, that resistance lasted thirty-three minutes, and Merino's header constituted Spain's 18th attempt on target by that point.

Pedri's Masterclass

The display was about all of them, but at the heart of it was Pedri, everywhere and elusive simultaneously: present for Spain, nowhere for Bulgaria, unable to track him as he flitted through their defense. He executed 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 as well.

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

Continued Pressure

A disguised pass had created opportunity for Samu Aghehowa up for what ought to have been the first goal, and a neat lay-off saw Oyarzabal mishit his attempt. He received a opportunity 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, then had the lead. The heat map appeared like they had run out of spray paint midway through and a moment later Aghehowa could have made it two-nil.

Brief Resistance

But then in part it's the uncertainty, even the injustice, that makes football special. And the first time Bulgaria advanced into Spain's half they might have equalized, Kiril Despodov abruptly breaking away and hitting the side-netting.

Introduced for Aghehowa at the half-time, Borja Iglesias had multiple chances in as many minutes before Merino scored once more. The delivery from the left flank was superb from Álex Grimaldo and there, leaping above everyone, was Merino to direct the header down and sprint to celebrate round the corner flag.

Closing Stages

As they had after the opener, Bulgaria survived again, Despodov sent through and putting his and their second shot wide and yet 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 fouled in the shins and stepping aside to let Oyarzabal smash in the 99th goal of De la Fuente's continuing tenure.