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Everything commenced in Scotland and this impressive streak continues. That memorable night at Hampden marked only Luis de la Fuente's second as Spain's manager; numerous observers thought it could prove to be his last assignment. Although a pair of Scott McTominay goals defeating the Spanish national team, while virtually everyone anticipated his spell would be brief, the coach spoke about a pathway emerging - and remarkably, the man previously criticized of living in Disneyland turned out right.

36 months and later, Spain advanced to within touching distance of global football participation, and also achieving their twenty-ninth consecutive official 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 defeated Bulgaria four-nil to secure a perfect dozen from 12 in qualifying, nearing advancement. The Gunners' midfielder and occasional forward scored the first two goals and could have secured his second three-goal haul in three Spain appearances but after brought down in the final minute, he generously handed the spot-kick to Mikel Oyarzabal instead.

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

Historic Achievement

Currently, readers may have observed the symbol, and rightly so. Although FIFA may not count it as a defeat, during this impressive run Spain did suffer defeat once – 7-5 on penalties to Portugal in the Nations League decider back in June. Yet formally at least, this current team has matched that legendary team against which all Spanish sides are compared.

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 reached a Nations League final in 2025; they head toward 2026 sitting No. 1, among the favorites once more, reminiscent of old times.

Total Control

The match represented "only" against Bulgaria, admittedly, just as previous encounters against Georgia, Bulgaria, and Turkey but that's four victories from four, aggregate score 15-0. Occurred two moments immediately after La Selección scored their first two goals – the third being an own goal – but eventually their opponents had not been allowed a solitary shot on target.

Overall count read: thirty-three to three, Spain demonstrably being Spain. Bulgaria's coach had admitted the only objective his team could have was to resist as long as possible. Ultimately, that resistance lasted 33 minutes, and Merino's header constituted Spain's eighteenth attempt on target already.

Pedri's Masterclass

This performance was about the entire team, but at the core of it was Pedri, ubiquitous and nowhere simultaneously: present for Spain, absent for Bulgaria, unable to track him as he flitted through their lines. He executed one hundred and one passes by the time he was substituted to a standing ovation on the sixty-sixth minute, and his were the instances of utmost subtlety, the finest touches and the sharpest too.

When the José Zorrilla chanted his name midway the first half, he had just slipped unnoticed into the penalty box again, chipping his shot over Svetoslav Vutsov and onto the woodwork, but it was not just that. He had previously floated a gorgeous pass into Álex Baena to volley wide and delivered another pass from which Baena was blocked.

Sustained Attack

A disguised pass had set 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 proper contact, volleying wide.

But then, almost immediately after, he delivered another ball in. This time Robin Le Normand nodded across and Merino headed in. Spain, who had 88% of the ball, 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.

Brief Resistance

But then in part it's the uncertainty, even the unfairness, that makes football great. And the initial occasion Bulgaria advanced into Spain's half they might have leveled the score, Kiril Despodov suddenly breaking away and striking the side-netting.

Brought on for Aghehowa at the break, Borja Iglesias had multiple chances in as many minutes before Merino scored once more. The cross from the left flank was superb from Álex Grimaldo and there, jumping above all defenders, was Merino to direct the header downward and sprint to do laps around the flagpost.

Closing Stages

Similar to their reaction after the opener, Bulgaria survived again, Despodov played 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 incorrect goal, Atanas Chernev turning into his own net. Yet it was not completely finished, Merino kicked in the legs and allowing to let Oyarzabal blast in the 99th goal of De la Fuente's continuing reign.