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Everything began in Scotland and this impressive streak persists. That fateful night at Hampden represented merely Luis de la Fuente's second as Spain's manager; numerous observers thought it might turn out to be his final assignment. Despite a pair of Scott McTominay goals overcoming the Spanish national team, while almost all spectators expected his tenure would be short-lived, De la Fuente talked about a route opening - and remarkably, the man previously criticized of being unrealistic turned out correct.

36 months and four days, Spain moved to within touching distance of World Cup participation, and also achieving their 29th consecutive official game unbeaten, matching the legendary record.

Pedri's Influence and Merino's Impact

On a night when Pedri played and Mikel Merino created the difference, Spain defeated Bulgaria four-nil to accumulate 12 points from twelve in qualifying, edging closer. The Gunners' playmaker and occasional forward scored the first two goals and might have secured his second consecutive hat-trick in three recent Spain matches but after fouled in the final minute, he generously handed the penalty to Mikel Oyarzabal instead.

Therefore it was La Real striker, goal-getter of the winning goal in the European Championship showpiece, who continued the remarkable sequence, equaling what Vicente del Bosque's golden generation accomplished between 2010 and 2013.

Historic Achievement

Currently, you might have noticed the symbol, and rightly so. While FIFA may not count it as a defeat, during this impressive run Spain did lose once – 7-5 on penalties to Portugal in the Nations League decider back in June. However formally at least, this current team has matched that historic squad against which all Spanish sides are compared.

Win 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 reached a Nations League final in 2025; they approach 2026 sitting No. 1, among the favorites once more, reminiscent of old times.

Total Control

This was "only" against Bulgaria, it is true, similar to previous matches against Georgia, Bulgaria, and Turkey but that's four victories from four, aggregate score fifteen-zero. There were two moments immediately after La Selección scored their opening goals – the third strike being an own goal – but eventually their rivals had not been permitted a single shot on target.

The total statistics showed: thirty-three to three, Spain demonstrably playing as Spain. Bulgaria's coach had admitted the sole objective his team could have was to resist as long as possible. As it turned out, that resistance lasted thirty-three minutes, and Merino's header represented Spain's 18th attempt on target already.

Midfield Brilliance

The display was about the entire team, but at the heart of it was Pedri, everywhere and nowhere simultaneously: everywhere for Spain, nowhere for Bulgaria, incapable to track him as he darted through their lines. He executed 101 passes by the time he was substituted to a standing ovation on 66 minutes, and his were the instances of utmost subtlety, the most exquisite touches and the most incisive too.

When the José Zorrilla sang 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 only that. He had already floated a gorgeous pass into Álex Baena to strike wide and delivered another back from which Baena was denied.

Continued Pressure

A disguised pass had set Samu Aghehowa up for what ought to have been the first goal, and a precise pass saw Oyarzabal mishit his shot. He received a opportunity of his own only to be unable to find a proper contact, volleying wide.

But then, shortly after, he floated an additional ball in. This time Robin Le Normand headed across and Merino headed in. Spain, who had 88% of the ball, now had the advantage. The positioning chart looked like they had exhausted supply of spray paint midway through and a little later Aghehowa could have made it two.

Brief Resistance

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

Introduced for Aghehowa at the break, Borja Iglesias had multiple opportunities in as many minutes before Merino scored once more. The delivery from the left flank was superb from Álex Grimaldo and there, jumping above everyone, was Merino to power the header down and sprint to do laps round the corner flag.

Final Moments

Similar to their reaction after the opener, Bulgaria survived once more, Despodov sent 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 wrong end, Atanas Chernev turning into his own net. Still it was not quite finished, Merino fouled in the shins and allowing to let Oyarzabal smash in the ninety-ninth goal of De la Fuente's continuing tenure.