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It all commenced in Scottish soil and this impressive streak continues. That memorable night at Hampden represented merely Luis de la Fuente's second outing as Spain's head coach; many believed it might prove to be his last assignment. Despite a pair of Scott McTominay goals defeating the Spanish national team, while almost all spectators anticipated his spell would be short-lived, De la Fuente talked about a pathway opening - and interestingly, the manager previously criticized of living in Disneyland turned out correct.

36 months and four days, Spain moved extremely close of World Cup participation, and also racking up their 29th consecutive official game without defeat, equaling the legendary record.

Pedri's Influence and Decisive Contribution

During an evening when the Barcelona midfielder played and Mikel Merino made the decisive impact, Spain overcame Bulgaria 4-0 to accumulate 12 points from twelve in qualifying, nearing advancement. The Arsenal midfielder and occasional striker netted the opening two goals and could have earned his second three-goal haul in three Spain matches but after brought down in the closing minute, he selflessly passed the spot-kick to Mikel Oyarzabal instead.

Thus it was La Real attacker, goal-getter of the decisive goal in the European Championship final, who continued the remarkable sequence, matching what Vicente del Bosque's legendary squad achieved between 2010 and 2013.

Historic Achievement

Currently, you might have noticed the asterisk, and correctly so. While FIFA may not classify it as a defeat, during this remarkable run Spain did lose once – seven-five on penalties to Portugal in the continental tournament final back in June. However officially at least, this current team has equaled that historic squad against which all Spanish national teams are measured.

Victory in Georgia in a month and the achievement will be exclusively theirs. 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 approach 2026 sitting No. 1, among the favorites once more, just like previous eras.

Complete Domination

This was "only" against Bulgaria, it is true, just as previous matches against Georgia, Bulgaria, and Turkey but that's four victories from four, combined score 15-0. There were two instances immediately after La Selección scored their opening goals – the third strike being an self-inflicted – but eventually their opponents had not been permitted a single shot on target.

The total statistics showed: 33-3, Spain demonstrably playing as Spain. Bulgaria's coach had admitted the only objective his team could have was to resist as long as possible. Ultimately, that defensive effort lasted 33 minutes, and Merino's header constituted Spain's 18th attempt on target already.

Midfield Brilliance

The display was about the entire team, but at the core of it was Pedri, everywhere and elusive at once: everywhere for Spain, absent for Bulgaria, unable to detect him as he darted through their defense. He completed one hundred and one passes by the time he was substituted to a rapturous applause on the sixty-sixth minute, and his were the instances of greatest subtlety, the most exquisite touches and the sharpest too.

When the José Zorrilla chanted his name during the opening period, he had just drifted unmarked into the area once more, dinking 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 volley wide and pulled an additional back 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 mishit his attempt. He got a chance of his own only to fail to find a clean connection, volleying wide.

But then, almost immediately after, he floated an additional ball in. This time Robin Le Normand headed across and Merino directed in. Spain, who had eighty-eight percent of the possession, now had the lead. The heat map looked like they had run out of marking paint midway through and a little later Aghehowa could have made it two.

Brief Resistance

But then in part it's the uncertainty, even the unfairness, that makes football special. And the initial occasion Bulgaria advanced into Spain's territory they might have equalized, Kiril Despodov abruptly sprinting away and hitting the outside of the net.

Brought on for Aghehowa at the break, Borja Iglesias had three chances in as many minutes before Merino scored once more. The cross from the left flank was excellent from Álex Grimaldo and there, jumping above everyone, was Merino to direct the header down and dash off to celebrate round the corner flag.

Final Moments

As they had after the first goal, Bulgaria survived again, Despodov sent through and sending his and their second shot wide and nevertheless the initial instance the away team had a shot on target it was at the wrong end, Atanas Chernev deflecting into his own net. Still it was not quite done, Merino fouled in the legs and allowing to let Oyarzabal smash in the ninety-ninth goal of De la Fuente's continuing tenure.