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Everything started in Scotland and this impressive streak continues. That memorable night at Hampden represented only Luis de la Fuente's second outing as Spain's manager; many believed it could prove to be his final match in charge. Despite two Scott McTominay goals overcoming La Furia Roja, whereas virtually everyone expected his tenure would be short-lived, De la Fuente talked about a pathway opening - and interestingly, the manager once accused of living in Disneyland proved correct.

Three years and four days, Spain moved to within touching distance of World Cup qualification, while simultaneously achieving their twenty-ninth consecutive official game unbeaten, equaling the historic record.

Midfield Masterclass and Merino's Impact

During an evening when Pedri featured and Mikel Merino created the decisive impact, Spain defeated Bulgaria 4-0 to secure a perfect dozen from twelve in World Cup qualification, nearing advancement. The Arsenal playmaker and sometime striker netted the opening two goals and could have earned his second hat-trick in three recent Spain appearances but when fouled in the final minute, he selflessly passed the penalty to Mikel Oyarzabal instead.

Thus it was La Real attacker, goal-getter of the winning goal in the European Championship showpiece, 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 asterisk, and correctly so. While FIFA may not count it as a loss, during this impressive run Spain did lose once – 7-5 on penalties to Portugal in the Nations League decider back in June. Yet formally at least, this current team has equaled that legendary team against which all Spanish sides are measured.

Victory in Georgia in a month and the achievement 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 approach 2026 ranked number one, among the favorites once more, just like old times.

Total Control

This was "only" versus Bulgaria, it is true, similar to previous matches against Georgia, Bulgaria, and Turkey but that's four wins from four outings, aggregate score fifteen-zero. There were two moments immediately after the Spanish team obtained their first two goals – the third being an own goal – but eventually their rivals had not been permitted a single shot on target.

The total statistics showed: 33-3, Spain clearly playing as Spain. Bulgaria's coach had admitted the sole objective his team could have was to hold out as long as they could. Ultimately, that defensive effort lasted thirty-three minutes, and Merino's header constituted Spain's 18th attempt on target already.

Pedri's Masterclass

The display was about the entire team, but at the heart of it was Pedri, ubiquitous and elusive at once: present for Spain, absent for Bulgaria, unable to track him as he flitted through their lines. He completed one hundred and one passes by the time he was withdrawn 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 José Zorrilla chanted his name midway the first half, he had just drifted unmarked into the area again, chipping his shot over Svetoslav Vutsov and onto the woodwork, but it was not only that. He had already floated a gorgeous pass into Álex Baena to volley wide and delivered another pass from which Baena was denied.

Sustained Attack

An cleverly weighted delivery had created opportunity for Samu Aghehowa up for what ought to have been the first goal, and a neat pass saw Oyarzabal mishit his attempt. He got a opportunity of his own only to fail to find a proper contact, striking wide.

But then, shortly after, he floated another ball in. This time Robin Le Normand headed across and Merino headed in. Spain, who had eighty-eight percent of the possession, now had the lead. The heat map looked like they had exhausted supply of spray paint midway through and a little later Aghehowa might have made it two-nil.

Brief Resistance

But then in part it's the unpredictability, even the injustice, that makes football great. And the first time Bulgaria advanced into Spain's territory they might have equalized, Kiril Despodov abruptly sprinting away and striking the side-netting.

Brought on for Aghehowa at the half-time, Borja Iglesias had three opportunities in as many minutes before Merino scored again. The cross from the left was excellent from Álex Grimaldo and there, jumping above all defenders, was Merino to direct the header downward and sprint to celebrate round the flagpost.

Closing Stages

As they had after the first goal, Bulgaria survived once more, Despodov sent through and sending 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 team's goal. Still it was not quite done, Merino kicked in the shins and stepping aside to let Oyarzabal blast in the 99th goal of De la Fuente's continuing reign.