🔗 Share this article

Everything commenced in Scotland and the momentum continues. That fateful evening at Hampden marked only Luis de la Fuente's second as Spain's manager; numerous observers thought it could prove to be his last match in charge. Despite two Scott McTominay goals defeating the Spanish national team, while virtually everyone anticipated his tenure would be short-lived, the coach talked about a pathway emerging - and interestingly, the man previously criticized of being unrealistic proved correct.

Three years and four days, Spain moved extremely close of World Cup qualification, and also achieving their 29th consecutive competitive game unbeaten, matching the historic record.

Pedri's Influence and Decisive Contribution

During an evening when the Barcelona midfielder played and Mikel Merino made the decisive impact, Spain defeated Bulgaria four-nil to secure 12 points from twelve in qualifying, nearing advancement. The Gunners' playmaker and occasional striker netted the opening two goals and could have secured his second consecutive three-goal haul in three recent Spain matches but when brought down in the closing minute, he selflessly passed the spot-kick to Mikel Oyarzabal instead.

Therefore it was La Real attacker, scorer of the winning goal in the Euro 2024 showpiece, who continued the impressive sequence, equaling what Vicente del Bosque's legendary squad achieved between 2010 and 2013.

Record Equaled

Currently, readers may have noticed the asterisk, and rightly so. Although FIFA may not classify it as a loss, during this remarkable run Spain actually suffer defeat once – 7-5 on penalties to Portugal in the Nations League final back in June. However officially at least, this current team has matched that historic team against which all Spanish national teams are compared.

Win in Georgia in a month and the achievement will be theirs alone. 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 frontrunners once more, reminiscent of previous eras.

Complete Domination

This was "only" versus Bulgaria, it is true, just as previous matches against Georgia, Bulgaria, and Turkey but that's four wins from four, aggregate score fifteen-zero. There were two instances immediately after La Selección obtained their opening goals – the third strike being an own goal – but eventually their rivals had not been allowed a solitary shot on target.

The total statistics read: 33-3, Spain clearly playing as Spain. Bulgaria's coach had admitted the sole objective his team could have was to hold out as long as they could. Ultimately, that defensive effort lasted thirty-three minutes, and Merino's header represented Spain's 18th attempt on target by that point.

Pedri's Masterclass

This performance was about all of them, but at the core of it was Pedri, ubiquitous and nowhere simultaneously: present for Spain, absent for Bulgaria, incapable to detect him as he darted through their lines. He executed one hundred and one passes by the time he was withdrawn to a standing ovation on 66 minutes, and his were the moments of greatest subtlety, the most exquisite touches and the sharpest as well.

When the José Zorrilla chanted his name during the first half, he had just drifted unmarked into the penalty box once more, chipping his shot over Svetoslav Vutsov and onto the crossbar, but it was not only that. He had previously lifted a gorgeous pass into Álex Baena to volley wide and pulled another back from which Baena was denied.

Continued Pressure

A disguised delivery had set Samu Aghehowa up for what should 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 clean connection, striking wide.

But then, shortly after, he floated another ball in. This time Robin Le Normand headed across and Merino directed in. Spain, who had 88% of the possession, then had the advantage. The heat map appeared like they had exhausted supply of marking paint half way through and a moment later Aghehowa might 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 got into Spain's territory they could have equalized, Kiril Despodov suddenly sprinting away and hitting the side-netting.

Introduced for Aghehowa at the break, Borja Iglesias had multiple opportunities in as many minutes before Merino scored once more. The cross from the left flank was superb from Álex Grimaldo and there, leaping above all defenders, was Merino to power the header down and dash off to celebrate around the corner flag.

Closing Stages

As they had after the opener, Bulgaria survived once more, Despodov sent through and sending his and their following shot wide and nevertheless the initial instance the away team had a shot on target it was at the incorrect goal, Atanas Chernev turning into his own net. Yet it was not completely finished, Merino fouled in the shins and stepping aside to let Oyarzabal smash in the 99th goal of De la Fuente's continuing reign.