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Everything began in Scottish soil and the momentum persists. That fateful evening at Hampden represented merely Luis de la Fuente's second outing as Spain's manager; many believed it could turn out to be his last match in charge. Although two Scott McTominay goals defeating La Furia Roja, whereas virtually everyone expected his spell would be short-lived, the coach spoke about a route opening - and interestingly, the man once accused of living in Disneyland turned out right.

Three years and four days, Spain moved extremely close of World Cup qualification, while simultaneously racking up their 29th straight official game unbeaten, equaling the historic record.

Midfield Masterclass and Decisive Contribution

During an evening when Pedri played and Mikel Merino created the decisive impact, Spain defeated Bulgaria 4-0 to secure 12 points from 12 in qualifying, nearing advancement. The Arsenal midfielder and sometime striker netted the first two goals and could have earned his second consecutive three-goal haul in three recent Spain appearances but after fouled in the final minute, he selflessly passed the penalty to Mikel Oyarzabal instead.

Thus it was the Real Sociedad striker, goal-getter of the winning goal in the Euro 2024 final, who continued the remarkable sequence, equaling what Vicente del Bosque's legendary squad accomplished between 2010 and 2013.

Record Equaled

Now, readers may have noticed the symbol, and rightly so. While FIFA might not count it as a defeat, during this impressive run Spain actually suffer defeat once – 7-5 on penalties to Portugal in the continental tournament final back in June. However formally at least, this present team has equaled that legendary squad against which all Spanish national teams are measured.

Victory in Georgia in a month and the achievement will be exclusively theirs. Along the way they won the Nations League in 2023, the European Championships in 2024 and advanced to a Nations League final in 2025; they head toward 2026 sitting number one, among the favorites once more, just like previous eras.

Complete Domination

The match represented "only" versus Bulgaria, admittedly, just as previous matches against Georgia, Bulgaria, and Turkey but that's four victories from four, aggregate score 15-0. Occurred two instances immediately after the Spanish team obtained their first two goals – the third strike being an self-inflicted – but eventually their rivals had not been allowed a single shot on target.

The total statistics read: thirty-three to three, Spain demonstrably being Spain. Bulgaria's coach had confessed the only objective his team could have was to hold out as long as they could. As it turned out, that resistance lasted 33 minutes, and Merino's header represented Spain's 18th attempt on target already.

Pedri's Masterclass

The display was about all of them, but at the heart of it was Pedri, everywhere and elusive simultaneously: everywhere for Spain, nowhere for Bulgaria, unable to detect him as he flitted through their lines. He completed 101 passes by the time he was substituted to a rapturous applause on 66 minutes, and his were the instances of greatest subtlety, the finest touches and the sharpest as well.

When the José Zorrilla chanted his name midway the first half, he had just slipped unmarked into the penalty box once more, dinking his shot over Svetoslav Vutsov and onto the crossbar, but it was not just that. He had already floated a gorgeous pass into Álex Baena to strike wide and pulled an additional back from which Baena was blocked.

Continued Pressure

A disguised delivery had created opportunity for Samu Aghehowa up for what should have been the opener, and a precise pass saw Oyarzabal scuff his attempt. He received a opportunity of his own only to be unable to find a proper connection, volleying wide.

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

Brief Resistance

But then in part it's the uncertainty, even the injustice, that makes football special. And the first time Bulgaria got into Spain's half they might have leveled the score, Kiril Despodov abruptly sprinting away and striking the side-netting.

Brought on for Aghehowa at the break, Borja Iglesias had three opportunities in as many minutes before Merino scored again. The delivery from the left was superb from Álex Grimaldo and there, leaping above everyone, was Merino to direct the header downward and dash off to celebrate round the corner flag.

Final Moments

Similar to their reaction after the first goal, Bulgaria survived again, Despodov sent through and putting his and their following shot wide and yet the initial instance the away team had a shot on target it was at the incorrect goal, Atanas Chernev deflecting into his team's goal. Yet it was not completely finished, Merino fouled in the legs and allowing to let Oyarzabal blast in the 99th goal of De la Fuente's continuing tenure.