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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 outing as Spain's manager; numerous observers thought it might turn out to be his last match in charge. Although a pair of Scott McTominay goals defeating the Spanish national team, while virtually everyone expected his tenure would be short-lived, the coach spoke about a route opening - and interestingly, the man previously criticized of being unrealistic turned out right.

36 months and later, Spain advanced to within touching distance of global football participation, while simultaneously achieving their 29th straight official game unbeaten, equaling the legendary record.

Pedri's Influence and Merino's Impact

During an evening when Pedri featured and Mikel Merino created the decisive impact, Spain defeated Bulgaria 4-0 to accumulate a perfect dozen from twelve in qualifying, edging closer. The Gunners' playmaker and sometime striker netted the opening two goals and might have earned his second hat-trick in three Spain matches but when brought down in the final minute, he generously handed the spot-kick to Mikel Oyarzabal instead.

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

Record Equaled

Currently, you might have observed the asterisk, and rightly so. While FIFA may not count it as a defeat, during this remarkable run Spain actually lose once – 7-5 on penalties to Portugal in the continental tournament decider back in June. However officially at least, this current team has matched that historic squad against which all Spanish sides are measured.

Win in Georgia in a month and the record will be exclusively theirs. 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 ranked number one, among the favorites once more, reminiscent of previous eras.

Total Control

This was "only" against Bulgaria, it is true, similar to previous matches against Georgia, Bulgaria, and Turkey but that's four victories from four, aggregate score fifteen-zero. Occurred two instances immediately after the Spanish team obtained their opening goals – the third strike being an self-inflicted – but eventually their opponents had not been permitted a solitary shot on target.

Overall statistics read: thirty-three to three, Spain demonstrably playing as Spain. Bulgaria's coach had admitted the sole 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 by that point.

Midfield Brilliance

The display was about the entire team, but at the core of it was Pedri, everywhere and nowhere simultaneously: present for Spain, nowhere for Bulgaria, unable to detect him as he darted through their lines. He executed one hundred and one passes by the time he was withdrawn to a standing ovation on 66 minutes, and his were the moments of greatest subtlety, the finest touches and the most incisive as well.

When the Valladolid stadium sang his name midway the first half, he had just drifted unnoticed into the area again, dinking his shot over Svetoslav Vutsov and onto the woodwork, but it was not only that. He had already lifted a magnificent pass into Álex Baena to volley wide and pulled an additional pass from which Baena was blocked.

Continued Pressure

An cleverly weighted pass had set Samu Aghehowa up for what ought to have been the opener, and a precise pass saw Oyarzabal mishit his attempt. He received a chance of his own only to be unable to find a clean connection, volleying wide.

But then, shortly after, he delivered an additional ball in. This time Robin Le Normand nodded across and Merino directed in. Spain, who had 88% of the ball, then had the advantage. The heat map looked like they had exhausted supply of spray paint half way through and a moment 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 territory 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 chances in as many minutes before Merino did it again. The delivery from the left was superb from Álex Grimaldo and there, jumping above everyone, was Merino to power the header downward and dash off to do laps around the corner flag.

Closing Stages

Similar to their reaction after the opener, Bulgaria escaped again, Despodov played through and putting his and their following shot wide and nevertheless the initial instance the visitors had a shot on target it was at the incorrect goal, Atanas Chernev deflecting into his team's goal. Still it was not completely done, Merino kicked in the legs and allowing to let Oyarzabal smash in the ninety-ninth goal of De la Fuente's ongoing reign.