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Everything commenced in Scotland and the momentum persists. That memorable evening at Hampden marked merely Luis de la Fuente's second outing as Spain's manager; many believed it might prove to be his last assignment. Despite two Scott McTominay goals overcoming 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 previously criticized of being unrealistic turned out right.

Three years and later, Spain advanced extremely close of World Cup qualification, while simultaneously racking up their 29th consecutive official game without defeat, equaling the historic record.

Pedri's Influence and Merino's Impact

During an evening when the Barcelona midfielder featured and Mikel Merino made the difference, Spain overcame Bulgaria four-nil to accumulate a perfect dozen from twelve in World Cup qualification, edging closer. The Gunners' playmaker and occasional striker netted the first two goals and might have secured his second consecutive three-goal haul in three Spain matches but after fouled in the closing minute, he generously handed the penalty to Mikel Oyarzabal instead.

Thus it was the Real Sociedad striker, scorer of the decisive goal in the European Championship showpiece, who continued the remarkable sequence, matching what Vicente del Bosque's golden generation accomplished between 2010 and 2013.

Record Equaled

Now, you might have observed the symbol, and correctly so. While FIFA might not count it as a defeat, during this remarkable run Spain did suffer defeat once – seven-five on penalties to Portugal in the Nations League decider back in June. Yet formally at least, this current team has equaled that historic team against which all Spanish national teams are compared.

Win in Georgia in a month and the record will be theirs alone. Along the way 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, reminiscent of old times.

Total Control

The match represented "only" versus Bulgaria, it is true, similar to previous encounters against Georgia, Bulgaria, and Turkey but that's four victories from four, combined score 15-0. Occurred two instances immediately after the Spanish team obtained their opening goals – the third being an own goal – but ultimately their rivals had not been allowed a solitary shot on target.

The total statistics read: 33-3, Spain clearly being Spain. Bulgaria's coach had confessed the only objective his team could have was to resist as long as possible. Ultimately, that defensive effort lasted thirty-three minutes, and Merino's header represented Spain's eighteenth attempt on target already.

Pedri's Masterclass

This performance was about the entire team, but at the heart of it was Pedri, everywhere and nowhere at once: present for Spain, nowhere for Bulgaria, incapable to detect him as he flitted through their defense. He executed one hundred and one passes by the time he was substituted to a rapturous applause on 66 minutes, and his were the instances of greatest subtlety, the finest touches and the sharpest too.

When the Valladolid stadium chanted his name during the first half, he had just slipped unnoticed into the penalty box once more, chipping his shot over Svetoslav Vutsov and onto the crossbar, but it was not just that. He had previously lifted a gorgeous pass into Álex Baena to volley wide and pulled an additional pass from which Baena was denied.

Sustained Attack

A disguised pass had set Samu Aghehowa up for what ought to have been the opener, and a precise pass saw Oyarzabal scuff his shot. He received a opportunity of his own only to fail to find a proper connection, striking wide.

But then, almost immediately after, he floated another ball in. This time Robin Le Normand headed across and Merino directed in. Spain, who had 88% of the ball, now had the lead. The heat map looked like they had run out of spray paint midway through and a moment later Aghehowa might have made it two.

Momentary Threat

But then in part it's the unpredictability, even the injustice, that makes football special. And the first time Bulgaria got into Spain's half they could have equalized, Kiril Despodov abruptly breaking away and hitting the side-netting.

Brought on for Aghehowa at the break, Borja Iglesias had three chances in as many minutes before Merino did it once more. 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 round the corner flag.

Closing Stages

As they had after the opener, Bulgaria escaped once more, Despodov sent 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 wrong end, Atanas Chernev deflecting into his team's goal. Still it was not quite finished, Merino kicked in the shins and stepping aside to let Oyarzabal smash in the ninety-ninth goal of De la Fuente's continuing tenure.