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Everything commenced in Scottish soil and the momentum remains unbroken. That memorable evening at Hampden represented merely Luis de la Fuente's second as Spain's manager; numerous observers thought it could turn out to be his last assignment. Although a pair of Scott McTominay goals overcoming the Spanish national team, whereas virtually everyone anticipated his tenure would be short-lived, the coach spoke about a route emerging - and remarkably, the manager previously criticized of being unrealistic proved correct.

36 months and four days, Spain moved to within touching distance of global football qualification, and also achieving their twenty-ninth straight competitive game unbeaten, equaling the historic record.

Midfield Masterclass and Merino's Impact

On a night when the Barcelona midfielder played and Mikel Merino made the decisive impact, Spain defeated Bulgaria four-nil to accumulate a perfect dozen from twelve in World Cup qualification, edging closer. The Gunners' playmaker and sometime forward scored the first two goals and could have earned his second consecutive three-goal haul in three recent Spain appearances but after brought down in the final minute, he generously handed the spot-kick to Mikel Oyarzabal instead.

Therefore it was the Real Sociedad striker, goal-getter of the decisive goal in the Euro 2024 showpiece, who maintained the remarkable sequence, matching what Vicente del Bosque's legendary squad accomplished between 2010 and 2013.

Record Equaled

Currently, you might have noticed the symbol, and rightly so. Although FIFA might not count it as a loss, during this impressive run Spain actually lose once – seven-five on penalties to Portugal in the Nations League decider back in June. However officially at least, this present team has matched that legendary squad against which all Spanish sides are measured.

Victory in Georgia in a month and the achievement will be theirs alone. En route they won the Nations League in 2023, the European Championships in 2024 and reached a Nations League final in 2025; they approach 2026 sitting No. 1, among the frontrunners once more, reminiscent of old times.

Total Control

This was "only" against Bulgaria, it is true, just as previous matches against Georgia, Bulgaria, and Turkey but that's four victories from four outings, combined score 15-0. There were two instances immediately after the Spanish team obtained their first two goals – the third strike being an own goal – but ultimately their rivals had not been allowed a single shot on target.

Overall statistics read: 33-3, 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. As it turned out, that defensive effort lasted thirty-three minutes, and Merino's header constituted Spain's eighteenth attempt on target by that point.

Midfield Brilliance

This performance was about the entire team, but at the heart of it was Pedri, everywhere and nowhere simultaneously: present for Spain, nowhere for Bulgaria, unable to track him as he darted through their lines. He executed one hundred and one passes by the time he was withdrawn to a rapturous applause on 66 minutes, and his were the moments of greatest subtlety, the most exquisite touches and the most incisive too.

When the Valladolid stadium sang his name midway the first half, he had just slipped unmarked into the penalty box again, chipping his shot over Svetoslav Vutsov and onto the woodwork, but it was not just that. He had already lifted a gorgeous pass into Álex Baena to strike wide and delivered an additional pass from which Baena was denied.

Continued Pressure

An cleverly weighted pass had created opportunity for Samu Aghehowa up for what ought to have been the opener, and a precise pass saw Oyarzabal scuff his attempt. He got a opportunity of his own only to be unable to find a proper contact, striking wide.

But then, shortly after, he delivered another ball in. This time Robin Le Normand headed across and Merino headed in. Spain, who had eighty-eight percent of the ball, now had the lead. The heat map appeared like they had exhausted supply of marking 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 initial occasion Bulgaria advanced into Spain's half they could have leveled the score, Kiril Despodov suddenly sprinting away and striking the side-netting.

Introduced for Aghehowa at the break, Borja Iglesias had multiple opportunities in as many minutes before Merino scored again. The cross 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 celebrate around the flagpost.

Closing Stages

Similar to their reaction after the opener, Bulgaria escaped again, Despodov sent through and putting 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 finished, Merino fouled in the legs and allowing to let Oyarzabal smash in the 99th goal of De la Fuente's ongoing tenure.