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Everything began in Scotland and the momentum continues. That memorable night at Hampden marked only Luis de la Fuente's second outing as Spain's manager; many believed it could turn out to be his last assignment. Although two Scott McTominay goals overcoming the Spanish national team, whereas almost all spectators expected his spell would be brief, De la Fuente talked about a route opening - and remarkably, the man previously criticized of being unrealistic turned out correct.

Three years and four days, Spain advanced extremely close of global football participation, and also racking up their twenty-ninth straight competitive game unbeaten, matching the historic record.

Midfield Masterclass and Merino's Impact

During an evening when the Barcelona midfielder featured and Mikel Merino created the decisive impact, Spain defeated Bulgaria 4-0 to accumulate 12 points from twelve in World Cup qualification, nearing advancement. The Arsenal playmaker and occasional striker netted the opening two goals and could have earned his second consecutive three-goal haul in three Spain appearances but when brought down in the closing minute, he selflessly passed the penalty to Mikel Oyarzabal instead.

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

Historic Achievement

Currently, you might have observed the asterisk, and correctly so. While FIFA may not classify it as a defeat, during this impressive run Spain did lose once – seven-five on penalties to Portugal in the continental tournament decider back in June. However formally at least, this current team has matched that historic squad against which all Spanish sides are compared.

Victory in Georgia in thirty days and the achievement will be theirs alone. En route they captured the Nations League in 2023, the European Championships in 2024 and advanced to a Nations League final in 2025; they approach 2026 ranked No. 1, among the favorites once more, just like old times.

Complete Domination

The match represented "only" against Bulgaria, admittedly, just as previous matches against Georgia, Bulgaria, and Turkey but that's four wins from four outings, aggregate score 15-0. There were two instances immediately after La Selección scored their opening goals – the third strike being an self-inflicted – but ultimately their rivals had not been permitted a single shot on target.

The total count read: thirty-three to three, 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 thirty-three minutes, and Merino's header represented Spain's eighteenth attempt on target already.

Pedri's Masterclass

This performance was about all of them, but at the heart of it was Pedri, ubiquitous and elusive simultaneously: everywhere for Spain, absent for Bulgaria, incapable to detect him as he flitted through their defense. He executed 101 passes by the time he was substituted to a standing ovation on the sixty-sixth minute, and his were the instances of utmost subtlety, the most exquisite touches and the sharpest as well.

When the Valladolid stadium sang his name midway the first half, he had just slipped unmarked into the area again, chipping his shot over Svetoslav Vutsov and onto the crossbar, but it was not only that. He had previously lifted a magnificent pass into Álex Baena to strike wide and pulled another pass from which Baena was blocked.

Sustained Attack

A disguised pass had created opportunity for Samu Aghehowa up for what should have been the first goal, and a precise lay-off saw Oyarzabal mishit his shot. He got a opportunity of his own only to be unable to find a proper connection, striking 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, now had the advantage. The heat map looked like they had exhausted supply of spray paint midway through and a little 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 territory they could have leveled the score, Kiril Despodov suddenly sprinting away and hitting the outside of the net.

Brought on for Aghehowa at the break, Borja Iglesias had three opportunities in as many minutes before Merino did it again. The cross from the left was excellent from Álex Grimaldo and there, jumping above everyone, was Merino to direct the header down and sprint to do laps around the corner flag.

Final Moments

As they had after the opener, Bulgaria survived once more, Despodov played through and sending his and their following shot wide and nevertheless the first time the visitors had a shot on target it was at the wrong end, Atanas Chernev turning into his team's goal. Still it was not completely finished, Merino kicked in the legs and stepping aside to let Oyarzabal smash in the ninety-ninth goal of De la Fuente's ongoing tenure.