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It all commenced in Scotland and this impressive streak persists. That memorable evening at Hampden marked merely Luis de la Fuente's second outing as Spain's manager; many believed it might turn out to be his final match in charge. Although two Scott McTominay goals defeating La Furia Roja, while almost all spectators expected his spell would be short-lived, the coach talked about a route opening - and remarkably, the man previously criticized of being unrealistic proved correct.

36 months and four days, Spain advanced to within touching distance of World Cup participation, and also 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 overcame Bulgaria four-nil to secure a perfect dozen from twelve in World Cup qualification, edging closer. The Arsenal playmaker and sometime striker netted the opening two goals and might have secured his second hat-trick in three Spain appearances but when fouled in the final minute, he generously handed the spot-kick to Mikel Oyarzabal instead.

Therefore it was La Real striker, scorer of the winning goal in the European Championship final, who continued the remarkable sequence, equaling what Vicente del Bosque's legendary squad accomplished between 2010 and 2013.

Historic Achievement

Currently, you might have observed the symbol, and rightly so. While FIFA might not classify it as a defeat, during this impressive run Spain actually lose once – seven-five on penalties to Portugal in the Nations League final back in June. However officially at least, this current team has equaled that legendary squad against which all Spanish national teams are measured.

Victory in Georgia in thirty days and the achievement 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 sitting number one, among the frontrunners once more, reminiscent of old times.

Total Control

The match represented "only" against Bulgaria, it is true, similar to previous encounters against Georgia, Bulgaria, and Turkey but that's four victories from four outings, aggregate score fifteen-zero. There were two moments immediately after the Spanish team scored their opening goals – the third being an self-inflicted – but ultimately their rivals had not been allowed a solitary shot on target.

Overall statistics showed: 33-3, Spain clearly being 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 33 minutes, and Merino's header represented Spain's eighteenth attempt on target by that point.

Pedri's Masterclass

The display was about all of them, but at the heart of it was Pedri, everywhere and elusive simultaneously: present for Spain, nowhere for Bulgaria, unable to track him as he flitted through their lines. He executed 101 passes by the time he was withdrawn to a rapturous applause on the sixty-sixth minute, and his were the instances of utmost subtlety, the finest touches and the sharpest as well.

When the José Zorrilla sang his name during the opening period, he had just slipped unnoticed into the penalty box once more, dinking his shot over Svetoslav Vutsov and onto the crossbar, but it was not only that. He had previously floated a magnificent pass into Álex Baena to strike wide and pulled another back from which Baena was denied.

Sustained Attack

A disguised delivery had created opportunity for Samu Aghehowa up for what ought to have been the opener, and a precise lay-off saw Oyarzabal mishit his attempt. He received a opportunity of his own only to fail to find a clean contact, volleying wide.

But then, almost immediately 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 ball, then had the advantage. The heat map looked like they had exhausted supply of spray paint half way through and a little later Aghehowa might have made it two.

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 might have leveled the score, Kiril Despodov abruptly breaking away and striking the side-netting.

Introduced for Aghehowa at the break, Borja Iglesias had multiple opportunities in as many minutes before Merino scored once more. The delivery from the left flank was superb from Álex Grimaldo and there, jumping above everyone, was Merino to power the header down and sprint to celebrate round the corner flag.

Final Moments

Similar to their reaction after the first goal, Bulgaria survived once more, Despodov played through and putting his and their second shot wide and yet the first time the visitors had a shot on target it was at the wrong end, Atanas Chernev deflecting into his team's goal. Yet it was not quite done, Merino kicked in the shins and stepping aside to let Oyarzabal smash in the ninety-ninth goal of De la Fuente's continuing reign.