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Everything began in Scotland and the momentum persists. That memorable night at Hampden represented only Luis de la Fuente's second as Spain's head coach; numerous observers thought it could prove to be his last assignment. Although two Scott McTominay goals defeating La Furia Roja, while almost all spectators expected his spell would be brief, the coach talked about a route opening - and interestingly, the manager previously criticized of living in Disneyland turned out correct.

36 months and later, Spain advanced extremely close of World Cup participation, while simultaneously achieving their twenty-ninth straight competitive game without defeat, equaling the legendary record.

Midfield Masterclass and Merino's Impact

During an evening when Pedri played and Mikel Merino made the decisive impact, Spain defeated Bulgaria four-nil to secure a perfect dozen from twelve in qualifying, edging closer. The Arsenal playmaker and sometime forward netted the first two goals and could have earned his second consecutive three-goal haul in three Spain matches but after brought down in the final minute, he generously handed the spot-kick to Mikel Oyarzabal instead.

Thus it was La Real striker, goal-getter of the winning goal in the European Championship final, who continued the impressive sequence, matching what Vicente del Bosque's golden generation accomplished between 2010 and 2013.

Historic Achievement

Now, you might have noticed the symbol, and correctly so. Although FIFA might not count it as a defeat, during this remarkable run Spain did suffer defeat once – seven-five on penalties to Portugal in the continental tournament decider back in June. Yet formally at least, this present team has matched that historic team against which all Spanish national teams are compared.

Victory in Georgia in thirty days 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 head toward 2026 sitting No. 1, among the favorites once more, reminiscent of old times.

Total Control

This was "only" against Bulgaria, admittedly, similar to previous matches against Georgia, Bulgaria, and Turkey but that's four wins from four outings, aggregate score 15-0. Occurred two moments immediately after the Spanish team obtained their first two goals – the third strike 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 clearly being Spain. Bulgaria's coach had admitted the only objective his team could have was to hold out as long as they could. Ultimately, that resistance lasted thirty-three minutes, and Merino's header constituted Spain's eighteenth attempt on target already.

Midfield Brilliance

This performance was about the entire team, but at the core of it was Pedri, everywhere and elusive at once: present for Spain, absent for Bulgaria, unable to detect him as he flitted through their defense. He completed 101 passes by the time he was withdrawn to a rapturous applause on 66 minutes, and his were the instances of greatest subtlety, the finest touches and the sharpest too.

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 only that. He had already lifted a gorgeous pass into Álex Baena to strike wide and delivered another pass from which Baena was denied.

Continued Pressure

An cleverly weighted delivery had set Samu Aghehowa up for what should have been the opener, and a precise lay-off saw Oyarzabal scuff his attempt. He got a opportunity of his own only to fail to find a clean contact, volleying wide.

But then, almost immediately after, he delivered another ball in. This time Robin Le Normand headed across and Merino directed in. Spain, who had 88% of the ball, now had the lead. The positioning chart appeared like they had run out of spray paint midway through and a moment later Aghehowa might have made it two-nil.

Momentary Threat

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 could have leveled the score, Kiril Despodov abruptly breaking away and striking the outside of the net.

Introduced for Aghehowa at the break, Borja Iglesias had multiple opportunities in as many minutes before Merino did it again. The delivery from the left was excellent from Álex Grimaldo and there, jumping above everyone, was Merino to power the header downward and dash off to celebrate round the corner flag.

Final Moments

As they had after the first goal, Bulgaria survived 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 wrong end, Atanas Chernev deflecting into his own net. Still it was not completely done, Merino kicked in the legs and allowing to let Oyarzabal smash in the ninety-ninth goal of De la Fuente's ongoing tenure.