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Everything started in Scottish soil and this impressive streak continues. That memorable evening at Hampden represented merely Luis de la Fuente's second as Spain's manager; many believed it could turn out to be his final match in charge. Although two Scott McTominay goals defeating the Spanish national team, while virtually everyone expected his spell would be short-lived, the coach spoke about a pathway opening - and interestingly, the manager once accused of being unrealistic proved correct.

Three years and four days, Spain moved to within touching distance of World Cup qualification, and also achieving their 29th consecutive competitive game unbeaten, matching the legendary record.

Pedri's Influence and Merino's Impact

During an evening when Pedri featured and Mikel Merino created the difference, Spain defeated Bulgaria four-nil to accumulate a perfect dozen from 12 in World Cup qualification, nearing advancement. The Arsenal playmaker and sometime forward netted the first two goals and could have secured his second consecutive three-goal haul in three Spain appearances but after fouled in the final minute, he selflessly passed the spot-kick to Mikel Oyarzabal instead.

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

Record Equaled

Currently, readers may have noticed the symbol, and correctly so. While FIFA may not count it as a defeat, during this remarkable run Spain actually lose once – seven-five on penalties to Portugal in the continental tournament final back in June. However officially at least, this current team has matched that legendary team against which all Spanish national teams are measured.

Victory in Georgia in thirty days and the record will be theirs alone. 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 ranked number one, among the favorites once more, reminiscent of old times.

Total Control

The match represented "only" versus Bulgaria, it is true, similar to previous matches against Georgia, Bulgaria, and Turkey but that's four victories from four, combined score 15-0. Occurred two moments immediately after La Selección scored their first two goals – the third being an own goal – but eventually their opponents had not been allowed a solitary shot on target.

Overall statistics read: 33-3, Spain clearly playing as Spain. Bulgaria's coach had admitted the only objective his team could have was to hold out as long as possible. As it turned out, that resistance 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 core of it was Pedri, everywhere and nowhere simultaneously: present for Spain, absent for Bulgaria, unable to detect him as he flitted through their defense. He executed 101 passes by the time he was withdrawn to a rapturous applause on 66 minutes, and his were the moments of utmost subtlety, the most exquisite touches and the sharpest too.

When the José Zorrilla chanted his name midway the first half, he had just slipped unmarked into the area once more, chipping his shot over Svetoslav Vutsov and onto the crossbar, but it was not only that. He had already floated a gorgeous pass into Álex Baena to volley wide and pulled another 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 first goal, and a neat lay-off saw Oyarzabal scuff his attempt. He got a chance of his own only to be unable to find a clean contact, volleying wide.

But then, shortly after, he delivered another ball in. This time Robin Le Normand nodded across and Merino headed in. Spain, who had 88% of the ball, now had the advantage. The heat map looked like they had run out of spray paint half way through and a moment later Aghehowa could have made it two-nil.

Brief Resistance

But then in part it's the uncertainty, even the unfairness, that makes football great. And the first time Bulgaria advanced into Spain's half they could have equalized, Kiril Despodov abruptly breaking away and striking the outside of the net.

Introduced for Aghehowa at the half-time, Borja Iglesias had multiple chances in as many minutes before Merino did it again. The cross from the left flank was superb from Álex Grimaldo and there, jumping above all defenders, was Merino to direct the header down and dash off to celebrate round the corner flag.

Closing Stages

As they had after the first goal, Bulgaria survived once more, Despodov sent 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 deflecting into his team's goal. Yet it was not quite done, Merino kicked in the legs and stepping aside to let Oyarzabal smash in the ninety-ninth goal of De la Fuente's continuing tenure.