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It all began in Scotland and the momentum remains unbroken. That fateful night at Hampden represented merely Luis de la Fuente's second as Spain's manager; numerous observers thought it might prove to be his last match in charge. Despite a pair of Scott McTominay goals overcoming La Furia Roja, whereas virtually everyone anticipated his spell would be brief, the coach spoke about a pathway opening - and remarkably, the manager once accused of living in Disneyland turned out right.

36 months and later, Spain moved to within touching distance of World Cup participation, while simultaneously achieving their twenty-ninth straight official game unbeaten, equaling the historic record.

Midfield Masterclass and Merino's Impact

On a night when Pedri featured and Mikel Merino made the difference, Spain defeated Bulgaria 4-0 to secure 12 points from 12 in qualifying, edging closer. The Arsenal playmaker and sometime striker netted the first two goals and might have secured his second three-goal haul in three recent Spain appearances but after fouled in the final minute, he selflessly passed the spot-kick to Mikel Oyarzabal instead.

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

Record Equaled

Now, you might have noticed the symbol, and rightly so. While FIFA might not classify it as a loss, during this remarkable run Spain actually lose once – seven-five on penalties to Portugal in the Nations League final back in June. Yet formally at least, this present team has matched that historic squad against which all Spanish national teams are measured.

Win in Georgia in a month and the record 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 approach 2026 ranked No. 1, among the favorites once more, reminiscent of old times.

Complete Domination

The match represented "only" versus Bulgaria, it is true, similar to previous encounters against Georgia, Bulgaria, and Turkey but that's four victories from four, aggregate score 15-0. There were two moments immediately after the Spanish team scored their opening goals – the third being an own goal – but eventually their opponents had not been allowed a solitary shot on target.

The total statistics showed: 33-3, Spain clearly being Spain. Bulgaria's coach had admitted the sole objective his team could have was to resist as long as possible. Ultimately, that defensive effort lasted thirty-three minutes, and Merino's header constituted 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 at once: everywhere for Spain, nowhere for Bulgaria, incapable to track him as he darted through their defense. He executed one hundred and one passes by the time he was substituted to a rapturous applause on the sixty-sixth minute, and his were the moments of utmost subtlety, the most exquisite touches and the sharpest too.

When the José Zorrilla chanted his name during the first half, he had just slipped unnoticed into the area once more, dinking his shot over Svetoslav Vutsov and onto the woodwork, but it was not just that. He had previously floated a gorgeous pass into Álex Baena to strike wide and delivered another pass from which Baena was denied.

Sustained Attack

A disguised delivery had set Samu Aghehowa up for what should have been the first goal, and a precise lay-off saw Oyarzabal scuff his attempt. He received a chance 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 nodded across and Merino directed in. Spain, who had 88% of the ball, now had the advantage. The heat map appeared like they had exhausted supply of marking paint midway through and a little later Aghehowa might have made it two-nil.

Momentary Threat

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

Introduced for Aghehowa at the half-time, Borja Iglesias had three chances in as many minutes before Merino did it again. The cross from the left was superb from Álex Grimaldo and there, jumping above all defenders, was Merino to power the header down and sprint to do laps round the flagpost.

Final Moments

As they had after the opener, Bulgaria escaped once more, Despodov played through and sending his and their second shot wide and nevertheless the initial instance the away team had a shot on target it was at the wrong end, Atanas Chernev turning into his team's goal. Still it was not completely finished, Merino kicked in the legs and stepping aside to let Oyarzabal blast in the 99th goal of De la Fuente's ongoing reign.