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It all commenced in Scottish soil and the momentum persists. That memorable evening at Hampden marked only Luis de la Fuente's second as Spain's manager; numerous observers thought it might turn out to be his last assignment. Although two Scott McTominay goals overcoming La Furia Roja, while virtually everyone anticipated his spell would be short-lived, De la Fuente talked about a route opening - and remarkably, the man previously criticized of being unrealistic proved correct.

36 months and later, Spain moved to within touching distance of global football participation, while simultaneously achieving their twenty-ninth straight official game unbeaten, matching the legendary record.

Pedri's Influence and Merino's Impact

During an evening when the Barcelona midfielder played and Mikel Merino created the difference, Spain defeated Bulgaria four-nil to accumulate 12 points from 12 in qualifying, edging closer. The Gunners' playmaker and sometime forward scored the opening two goals and could have earned his second consecutive three-goal haul in three Spain appearances but when brought down in the final minute, he generously handed the spot-kick to Mikel Oyarzabal instead.

Thus it was La Real striker, scorer of the decisive goal in the European Championship final, who maintained the impressive sequence, equaling what Vicente del Bosque's legendary squad accomplished between 2010 and 2013.

Record Equaled

Currently, readers may have noticed the symbol, and rightly so. While FIFA might not count it as a loss, during this impressive run Spain did suffer defeat once – seven-five on penalties to Portugal in the continental tournament final back in June. However formally at least, this current team has matched that historic squad against which all Spanish national teams are measured.

Win in Georgia in thirty days and the achievement will be theirs alone. Along the way 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 frontrunners once more, reminiscent of previous eras.

Complete Domination

The match represented "only" against Bulgaria, it is true, just as previous encounters against Georgia, Bulgaria, and Turkey but that's four wins from four, combined score fifteen-zero. There were two moments immediately after the Spanish team obtained their opening goals – the third being an self-inflicted – but ultimately their rivals had not been allowed a single shot on target.

The total count read: 33-3, Spain demonstrably playing as Spain. Bulgaria's coach had admitted the sole objective his team could have was to hold out as long as they could. As it turned out, that resistance lasted 33 minutes, and Merino's header represented Spain's eighteenth attempt on target by that point.

Pedri's Masterclass

The display was about the entire team, but at the heart of it was Pedri, everywhere and elusive simultaneously: present for Spain, nowhere for Bulgaria, unable to detect him as he flitted through their defense. He executed 101 passes by the time he was substituted to a standing ovation on 66 minutes, and his were the moments of greatest subtlety, the most exquisite touches and the most incisive as well.

When the Valladolid stadium chanted his name midway the opening period, he had just drifted unmarked into the penalty box again, chipping his shot over Svetoslav Vutsov and onto the crossbar, but it was not just that. He had already floated a magnificent pass into Álex Baena to volley wide and pulled another back from which Baena was blocked.

Continued Pressure

A disguised pass had set Samu Aghehowa up for what should have been the opener, and a neat pass saw Oyarzabal scuff his shot. He got a opportunity of his own only to be unable to find a proper contact, 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 ball, now had the advantage. The heat map looked like they had exhausted supply of marking paint midway through and a little later Aghehowa might have made it two.

Momentary Threat

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

Brought on for Aghehowa at the break, Borja Iglesias had three opportunities in as many minutes before Merino did it once more. The delivery from the left flank was superb from Álex Grimaldo and there, jumping above everyone, was Merino to power the header downward and sprint to celebrate round the flagpost.

Closing Stages

As they had after the opener, Bulgaria survived again, Despodov played through and sending his and their following shot wide and nevertheless the first time the away team had a shot on target it was at the wrong end, Atanas Chernev deflecting into his team's goal. Still it was not quite finished, Merino kicked in the legs and allowing to let Oyarzabal smash in the ninety-ninth goal of De la Fuente's continuing reign.