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It all began in Scottish soil and this impressive streak persists. That memorable night at Hampden represented merely Luis de la Fuente's second outing as Spain's manager; numerous observers thought it might turn out to be his last match in charge. Although two Scott McTominay goals defeating the Spanish national team, while virtually everyone anticipated his spell would be short-lived, the coach spoke about a pathway emerging - and remarkably, the manager previously criticized of living in Disneyland proved correct.

Three years and four days, Spain advanced to within touching distance of World Cup qualification, while simultaneously racking up their twenty-ninth consecutive official game unbeaten, matching the legendary record.

Pedri's Influence and Merino's Impact

On a night when Pedri featured and Mikel Merino created the decisive impact, Spain defeated Bulgaria 4-0 to secure 12 points from 12 in qualifying, edging closer. The Arsenal playmaker and sometime striker scored the first two goals and could have earned his second consecutive hat-trick in three Spain appearances but when fouled in the final minute, he selflessly passed the penalty to Mikel Oyarzabal instead.

Therefore it was La Real attacker, goal-getter of the decisive goal in the European Championship showpiece, who continued the impressive sequence, equaling what Vicente del Bosque's golden generation accomplished between 2010 and 2013.

Historic Achievement

Currently, readers may have observed the asterisk, and correctly so. Although FIFA may not classify it as a loss, during this impressive run Spain actually suffer defeat once – 7-5 on penalties to Portugal in the Nations League final back in June. Yet formally at least, this present team has equaled that historic team against which all Spanish sides are compared.

Victory in Georgia in a month and the record will be exclusively theirs. En route they captured 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, just like previous eras.

Total Control

This was "only" against Bulgaria, admittedly, similar to previous encounters against Georgia, Bulgaria, and Turkey but that's four victories from four, aggregate score fifteen-zero. There were two instances immediately after the Spanish team scored their opening goals – the third strike being an self-inflicted – but ultimately their opponents had not been allowed a solitary shot on target.

Overall statistics showed: thirty-three to three, Spain clearly playing as Spain. Bulgaria's coach had admitted the sole 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 by that point.

Midfield Brilliance

This performance was about the entire team, but at the heart of it was Pedri, ubiquitous and elusive simultaneously: everywhere for Spain, nowhere for Bulgaria, unable to detect him as he darted through their defense. He executed 101 passes by the time he was substituted to a rapturous applause on 66 minutes, and his were the instances of utmost subtlety, the most exquisite touches and the most incisive as well.

When the Valladolid stadium chanted 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 just that. He had previously lifted a magnificent pass into Álex Baena to volley wide and pulled an additional 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 lay-off saw Oyarzabal scuff his shot. He got a opportunity of his own only to fail to find a proper connection, striking wide.

But then, shortly after, he floated an additional ball in. This time Robin Le Normand headed across and Merino headed in. Spain, who had eighty-eight percent of the possession, then had the lead. The heat map appeared like they had run out of spray paint half way through and a moment later Aghehowa might have made it two.

Momentary Threat

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

Introduced for Aghehowa at the break, Borja Iglesias had three opportunities in as many minutes before Merino scored again. The delivery from the left flank was excellent from Álex Grimaldo and there, jumping above all defenders, was Merino to power the header down and dash off to do laps around the flagpost.

Final Moments

Similar to their reaction after the opener, Bulgaria survived again, Despodov played through and sending his and their second shot wide and yet the first time the visitors had a shot on target it was at the incorrect goal, Atanas Chernev deflecting into his own net. Still it was not quite done, Merino kicked in the shins and allowing to let Oyarzabal blast in the ninety-ninth goal of De la Fuente's ongoing tenure.