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Everything commenced in Scotland and this impressive streak continues. That memorable night at Hampden marked merely Luis de la Fuente's second as Spain's manager; many believed it might turn out to be his last assignment. Despite two Scott McTominay goals defeating the Spanish national team, whereas almost all spectators expected his tenure would be brief, the coach talked about a route opening - and interestingly, the man once accused of living in Disneyland proved correct.

36 months and later, Spain advanced to within touching distance of World Cup qualification, while simultaneously racking up their 29th consecutive competitive game unbeaten, equaling the legendary record.

Pedri's Influence and Merino's Impact

During an evening when Pedri played and Mikel Merino created the decisive impact, Spain overcame Bulgaria four-nil to accumulate 12 points from 12 in World Cup qualification, edging closer. The Gunners' midfielder and sometime forward netted the opening two goals and might have secured his second consecutive three-goal haul in three recent Spain matches but after fouled in the closing minute, he generously handed the penalty to Mikel Oyarzabal instead.

Therefore it was La Real attacker, goal-getter of the winning goal in the European Championship final, who continued the impressive sequence, matching what Vicente del Bosque's legendary squad achieved between 2010 and 2013.

Historic Achievement

Currently, you might have noticed the asterisk, and rightly so. Although FIFA might 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 formally at least, this present team has equaled that historic team against which all Spanish sides are measured.

Victory in Georgia in a month and the achievement will be exclusively theirs. En route they captured the Nations League in 2023, the European Championships in 2024 and reached a Nations League final in 2025; they approach 2026 sitting number one, among the frontrunners once more, reminiscent of old times.

Total Control

This was "only" versus Bulgaria, admittedly, just as previous encounters against Georgia, Bulgaria, and Turkey but that's four victories from four, aggregate score 15-0. There were two instances immediately after the Spanish team obtained their opening goals – the third strike being an own goal – but ultimately their rivals had not been permitted a single shot on target.

Overall statistics read: thirty-three to three, Spain clearly being Spain. Bulgaria's coach had confessed the only objective his team could have was to resist as long as possible. As it turned out, that resistance lasted 33 minutes, and Merino's header represented Spain's eighteenth attempt on target already.

Midfield Brilliance

This performance was about the entire team, but at the heart of it was Pedri, ubiquitous and nowhere simultaneously: present for Spain, nowhere for Bulgaria, incapable to track him as he flitted through their lines. He completed one hundred and one passes by the time he was substituted to a standing ovation on 66 minutes, and his were the instances of greatest subtlety, the finest touches and the sharpest as well.

When the Valladolid stadium chanted his name during 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 only that. He had previously lifted a magnificent pass into Álex Baena to volley wide and delivered an additional back from which Baena was blocked.

Sustained Attack

A disguised delivery had set Samu Aghehowa up for what ought to have been the first goal, and a neat pass saw Oyarzabal mishit his attempt. He received a opportunity of his own only to be unable to find a proper contact, volleying wide.

But then, shortly 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 advantage. The positioning chart looked like they had run out of marking 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 special. And the first time Bulgaria advanced into Spain's territory they might have leveled the score, Kiril Despodov suddenly sprinting away and striking the side-netting.

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

Final Moments

As they had after the first goal, Bulgaria escaped once more, Despodov played through and putting his and their second shot wide and nevertheless the first time the away team had a shot on target it was at the wrong end, Atanas Chernev turning into his own net. Yet it was not quite finished, Merino fouled in the legs and stepping aside to let Oyarzabal smash in the 99th goal of De la Fuente's ongoing tenure.