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It all started in Scotland and the momentum remains unbroken. That fateful night at Hampden marked only Luis de la Fuente's second outing as Spain's manager; numerous observers thought it might prove to be his last match in charge. Despite a pair of Scott McTominay goals defeating La Furia Roja, while virtually everyone anticipated his tenure would be brief, the coach talked about a route opening - and interestingly, the man once accused of living in Disneyland proved right.

Three years and four days, Spain advanced to within touching distance of World Cup participation, and also achieving their twenty-ninth consecutive competitive game unbeaten, matching the historic record.

Midfield Masterclass and Merino's Impact

On a night when Pedri played and Mikel Merino made the decisive impact, Spain defeated Bulgaria four-nil to accumulate 12 points from 12 in World Cup qualification, nearing advancement. The Arsenal midfielder and occasional striker netted the opening two goals and could have earned his second consecutive three-goal haul in three Spain matches but after brought down in the closing minute, he generously handed the spot-kick to Mikel Oyarzabal instead.

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

Historic Achievement

Now, you might have observed the symbol, and correctly so. Although FIFA might not count it as a defeat, during this impressive run Spain actually suffer defeat once – seven-five on penalties to Portugal in the Nations League final back in June. Yet formally at least, this present team has equaled that legendary team against which all Spanish national teams are measured.

Victory in Georgia in a month and the achievement 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 sitting No. 1, among the favorites once more, just like previous eras.

Total Control

The match represented "only" against Bulgaria, admittedly, just as previous matches against Georgia, Bulgaria, and Turkey but that's four victories from four, aggregate score fifteen-zero. There were two moments immediately after the Spanish team obtained their opening goals – the third strike being an own goal – but eventually their opponents had not been permitted a single shot on target.

Overall statistics showed: 33-3, Spain demonstrably being Spain. Bulgaria's coach had confessed the only objective his team could have was to hold out as long as possible. Ultimately, that defensive effort lasted 33 minutes, and Merino's header represented Spain's 18th attempt on target by that point.

Midfield Brilliance

The display was about all of them, but at the core of it was Pedri, everywhere and nowhere at once: present for Spain, absent for Bulgaria, incapable to track him as he flitted through their lines. He executed 101 passes by the time he was withdrawn to a standing ovation on 66 minutes, and his were the moments of utmost subtlety, the finest touches and the sharpest too.

When the Valladolid stadium sang his name during the opening period, he had just drifted unnoticed into the area once more, dinking his shot over Svetoslav Vutsov and onto the crossbar, but it was not just that. He had previously lifted a magnificent pass into Álex Baena to volley wide and delivered an additional pass from which Baena was blocked.

Sustained Attack

An cleverly weighted delivery 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 connection, striking 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, then had the lead. The positioning chart looked like they had exhausted supply of marking paint half way through and a little later Aghehowa might have made it two-nil.

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 half they could have equalized, Kiril Despodov suddenly sprinting away and striking the side-netting.

Introduced for Aghehowa at the break, Borja Iglesias had multiple chances in as many minutes before Merino scored again. The delivery from the left flank was excellent from Álex Grimaldo and there, jumping above everyone, was Merino to power the header down and dash off to celebrate round the corner flag.

Final Moments

As they had after the first goal, Bulgaria escaped again, Despodov played through and sending his and their second shot wide and yet the initial instance the away team had a shot on target it was at the incorrect goal, Atanas Chernev deflecting into his team's goal. Yet it was not completely done, Merino fouled in the shins and stepping aside to let Oyarzabal blast in the ninety-ninth goal of De la Fuente's continuing reign.