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It all commenced in Scotland and this impressive streak persists. That memorable night at Hampden represented merely Luis de la Fuente's second outing as Spain's manager; numerous observers thought it might prove to be his final assignment. Despite two Scott McTominay goals defeating the Spanish national team, whereas virtually everyone expected his spell would be brief, the coach talked about a pathway opening - and remarkably, the manager once accused of living in Disneyland proved right.

36 months and four days, Spain moved to within touching distance of global football participation, and also achieving their twenty-ninth consecutive official game without defeat, matching the legendary record.

Midfield Masterclass and Merino's Impact

On a night when the Barcelona midfielder featured and Mikel Merino created the difference, Spain defeated Bulgaria 4-0 to accumulate a perfect dozen from 12 in World Cup qualification, edging closer. The Arsenal midfielder and sometime striker scored the opening two goals and might have secured his second consecutive three-goal haul in three recent 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 striker, scorer of the winning goal in the European Championship showpiece, who maintained the remarkable sequence, matching what Vicente del Bosque's golden generation achieved between 2010 and 2013.

Record Equaled

Currently, you might have noticed the symbol, and correctly so. While FIFA may not classify it as a defeat, during this remarkable run Spain actually lose once – 7-5 on penalties to Portugal in the continental tournament final back in June. However officially at least, this present team has matched that legendary squad against which all Spanish national teams are measured.

Win in Georgia in a month and the achievement will be theirs alone. Along the way they captured the Nations League in 2023, the European Championships in 2024 and reached a Nations League final in 2025; they head toward 2026 sitting No. 1, among the frontrunners once more, just like previous eras.

Total Control

This was "only" versus Bulgaria, admittedly, similar to previous matches against Georgia, Bulgaria, and Turkey but that's four wins from four outings, combined score 15-0. Occurred two moments immediately after La Selección obtained their opening goals – the third being an self-inflicted – but eventually their opponents had not been permitted a solitary shot on target.

The total count showed: 33-3, Spain clearly playing as Spain. Bulgaria's coach had confessed the sole objective his team could have was to resist as long as they could. As it turned out, that resistance lasted thirty-three minutes, and Merino's header represented Spain's eighteenth attempt on target already.

Pedri's Masterclass

The display was about all of them, but at the core of it was Pedri, ubiquitous and elusive simultaneously: present for Spain, nowhere for Bulgaria, unable to detect him as he darted through their defense. He completed 101 passes by the time he was substituted to a standing ovation on the sixty-sixth minute, and his were the moments of greatest subtlety, the most exquisite touches and the most incisive as well.

When the José Zorrilla sang his name midway the first half, he had just slipped unnoticed into the penalty box again, chipping his shot over Svetoslav Vutsov and onto the woodwork, but it was not just that. He had previously lifted a gorgeous pass into Álex Baena to strike wide and delivered an additional pass from which Baena was denied.

Continued Pressure

An cleverly weighted pass had created opportunity for Samu Aghehowa up for what should have been the opener, and a precise pass saw Oyarzabal mishit his attempt. He received a opportunity of his own only to fail to find a clean contact, striking wide.

But then, shortly after, he floated an additional ball in. This time Robin Le Normand nodded across and Merino directed in. Spain, who had eighty-eight percent of the possession, then had the advantage. The heat map looked like they had exhausted supply of spray paint midway through and a little later Aghehowa could 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 advanced into Spain's half they might have leveled the score, Kiril Despodov abruptly sprinting away and hitting the outside of the net.

Introduced for Aghehowa at the half-time, Borja Iglesias had three opportunities in as many minutes before Merino did it again. The cross from the left was superb from Álex Grimaldo and there, leaping above all defenders, was Merino to direct the header down and sprint to celebrate around the corner flag.

Final Moments

Similar to their reaction after the opener, Bulgaria survived again, Despodov sent through and putting 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 deflecting into his own net. Yet it was not quite done, Merino kicked in the shins and allowing to let Oyarzabal smash in the 99th goal of De la Fuente's continuing tenure.