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Everything started in Scotland and the momentum remains unbroken. That fateful evening at Hampden represented merely Luis de la Fuente's second outing as Spain's head coach; numerous observers thought it could turn out to be his last match in charge. Despite two Scott McTominay goals overcoming La Furia Roja, whereas virtually everyone expected his spell would be short-lived, the coach spoke about a pathway emerging - and remarkably, the manager once accused of being unrealistic turned out correct.

Three years and later, Spain moved to within touching distance of global football qualification, while simultaneously racking up their twenty-ninth consecutive official game without defeat, equaling the historic record.

Pedri's Influence and Decisive Contribution

During an evening when Pedri played and Mikel Merino made the difference, Spain defeated Bulgaria four-nil to accumulate 12 points from 12 in qualifying, nearing advancement. The Gunners' midfielder and occasional striker netted the first two goals and could have secured his second consecutive three-goal haul in three Spain appearances but after fouled in the final minute, he generously handed the penalty to Mikel Oyarzabal instead.

Thus it was the Real Sociedad attacker, goal-getter of the decisive goal in the Euro 2024 final, who continued the impressive sequence, equaling what Vicente del Bosque's golden generation accomplished between 2010 and 2013.

Historic Achievement

Now, readers may have observed the symbol, and correctly so. Although FIFA may not count it as a loss, during this impressive run Spain did lose once – seven-five on penalties to Portugal in the Nations League final back in June. However officially at least, this current team has matched that historic squad against which all Spanish national teams are compared.

Victory in Georgia in thirty days and the record will be theirs alone. En route they captured the Nations League in 2023, the European Championships in 2024 and reached a Nations League final in 2025; they approach 2026 sitting number one, among the favorites once more, just like old times.

Total Control

This was "only" against Bulgaria, admittedly, just as previous matches against Georgia, Bulgaria, and Turkey but that's four wins from four outings, combined score 15-0. There were two instances immediately after La Selección scored their first two goals – the third strike being an self-inflicted – but ultimately their rivals had not been permitted a solitary shot on target.

Overall count showed: 33-3, Spain clearly being Spain. Bulgaria's coach had confessed the only objective his team could have was to hold out as long as they could. Ultimately, that resistance lasted 33 minutes, and Merino's header constituted Spain's 18th attempt on target by that point.

Midfield Brilliance

This performance was about the entire team, but at the heart of it was Pedri, ubiquitous and nowhere at once: everywhere for Spain, nowhere for Bulgaria, unable to detect him as he flitted through their defense. He executed one hundred and one passes by the time he was withdrawn to a rapturous applause on the sixty-sixth minute, and his were the moments of utmost subtlety, the finest touches and the sharpest too.

When the José Zorrilla chanted his name midway the opening period, he had just slipped unmarked into the area once more, dinking his shot over Svetoslav Vutsov and onto the crossbar, but it was not just that. He had already lifted a magnificent pass into Álex Baena to strike wide and delivered another pass from which Baena was denied.

Continued Pressure

An cleverly weighted delivery had created opportunity for Samu Aghehowa up for what should have been the first goal, and a neat lay-off saw Oyarzabal scuff his attempt. He received a chance of his own only to fail to find a proper contact, striking wide.

But then, almost immediately after, he delivered another ball in. This time Robin Le Normand headed across and Merino headed in. Spain, who had 88% of the ball, now had the lead. The positioning chart looked like they had run out of spray paint half way through and a moment later Aghehowa could have made it two.

Momentary Threat

But then in part it's the unpredictability, even the unfairness, that makes football great. And the first time Bulgaria got into Spain's territory they could have equalized, Kiril Despodov suddenly sprinting away and striking the side-netting.

Brought on 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 excellent from Álex Grimaldo and there, leaping above all defenders, was Merino to direct the header downward and sprint to do laps around the corner flag.

Final Moments

As they had after the first goal, Bulgaria survived once more, Despodov sent through and sending his and their following shot wide and nevertheless the first time the visitors had a shot on target it was at the wrong end, Atanas Chernev turning into his own net. Yet it was not completely finished, Merino kicked in the legs and stepping aside to let Oyarzabal smash in the ninety-ninth goal of De la Fuente's ongoing tenure.