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Everything started in Scottish soil and this impressive streak persists. That memorable evening at Hampden marked merely Luis de la Fuente's second outing as Spain's manager; numerous observers thought it could prove to be his final assignment. Although a pair of Scott McTominay goals overcoming the Spanish national team, while virtually everyone expected his spell would be brief, the coach spoke about a route emerging - and interestingly, the manager previously criticized of living in Disneyland proved correct.

Three years and later, Spain advanced to within touching distance of global football qualification, while simultaneously achieving their 29th consecutive competitive game unbeaten, equaling the legendary record.

Pedri's Influence and Merino's Impact

During an evening when Pedri played and Mikel Merino created the decisive impact, Spain defeated Bulgaria four-nil to accumulate 12 points from 12 in World Cup qualification, edging closer. The Gunners' midfielder and occasional striker scored the opening two goals and might have secured his second consecutive three-goal haul in three Spain matches but when fouled in the closing minute, he generously handed the spot-kick to Mikel Oyarzabal instead.

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

Record Equaled

Now, readers may have noticed the asterisk, and correctly so. Although FIFA may not classify it as a loss, during this impressive run Spain did lose once – 7-5 on penalties to Portugal in the Nations League final back in June. Yet formally at least, this current team has matched that historic team against which all Spanish sides are measured.

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 head toward 2026 sitting number one, among the favorites once more, reminiscent of previous eras.

Total Control

This was "only" versus Bulgaria, admittedly, just as previous matches against Georgia, Bulgaria, and Turkey but that's four wins from four, combined score 15-0. There were two instances 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 solitary shot on target.

The total statistics read: thirty-three to three, Spain clearly playing as Spain. Bulgaria's coach had confessed 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 by that point.

Midfield Brilliance

This performance 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 detect him as he flitted through their lines. 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 greatest subtlety, the finest touches and the sharpest as well.

When the José Zorrilla chanted his name during the opening period, he had just drifted unmarked into the area once more, chipping his shot over Svetoslav Vutsov and onto the crossbar, but it was not just that. He had previously floated a magnificent pass into Álex Baena to volley wide and delivered an additional pass from which Baena was denied.

Sustained Attack

A disguised pass had created opportunity for Samu Aghehowa up for what ought to have been the opener, and a precise pass saw Oyarzabal scuff his shot. He received a chance of his own only to fail to find a proper contact, striking 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, then had the lead. The heat map appeared like they had exhausted supply of spray paint midway through and a moment later Aghehowa could have made it two-nil.

Brief Resistance

But then in part it's the uncertainty, even the injustice, that makes football special. And the initial occasion Bulgaria advanced into Spain's half they could have equalized, Kiril Despodov abruptly sprinting away and hitting the side-netting.

Brought on for Aghehowa at the half-time, Borja Iglesias had multiple chances in as many minutes before Merino did it once more. The cross from the left was superb from Álex Grimaldo and there, leaping above everyone, was Merino to direct the header downward and dash off to celebrate around the corner flag.

Closing Stages

Similar to their reaction after the first goal, Bulgaria escaped again, Despodov played through and sending his and their second shot wide and yet the initial instance the visitors had a shot on target it was at the incorrect goal, Atanas Chernev turning into his team's goal. Yet it was not completely done, Merino fouled in the legs and allowing to let Oyarzabal smash in the 99th goal of De la Fuente's ongoing reign.