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Everything commenced in Scottish soil and the momentum remains unbroken. That fateful night at Hampden marked only Luis de la Fuente's second as Spain's manager; numerous observers thought it could turn out to be his last assignment. Despite two Scott McTominay goals defeating the Spanish national team, whereas virtually everyone anticipated his spell would be short-lived, De la Fuente talked about a route emerging - and remarkably, the man previously criticized of living in Disneyland turned out right.

36 months and later, Spain moved to within touching distance of global football qualification, while simultaneously achieving their twenty-ninth straight official game without defeat, matching the historic record.

Midfield Masterclass and Decisive Contribution

On a night when the Barcelona midfielder featured and Mikel Merino created the difference, Spain defeated Bulgaria 4-0 to secure a perfect dozen from 12 in World Cup qualification, nearing advancement. The Gunners' playmaker and occasional striker netted the first two goals and might have secured his second consecutive three-goal haul in three recent Spain appearances but after brought down in the final minute, he selflessly passed the spot-kick to Mikel Oyarzabal instead.

Therefore it was La Real striker, goal-getter of the winning goal in the Euro 2024 showpiece, who maintained the impressive sequence, matching what Vicente del Bosque's golden generation achieved between 2010 and 2013.

Historic Achievement

Currently, you might have observed the symbol, and correctly so. Although FIFA might not count it as a defeat, during this remarkable run Spain actually lose once – seven-five on penalties to Portugal in the Nations League final back in June. However formally at least, this present team has matched that historic squad against which all Spanish national teams are compared.

Win in Georgia in a month and the achievement will be exclusively theirs. 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 No. 1, among the frontrunners once more, just like previous eras.

Complete Domination

The match represented "only" versus Bulgaria, admittedly, similar to previous encounters against Georgia, Bulgaria, and Turkey but that's four victories from four outings, combined score 15-0. There were two instances immediately after La Selección obtained their first two goals – the third strike being an own goal – but eventually their opponents had not been permitted a solitary shot on target.

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

Pedri's Masterclass

The display was about the entire team, but at the core of it was Pedri, ubiquitous and elusive simultaneously: present for Spain, absent for Bulgaria, incapable to detect him as he darted through their lines. He executed 101 passes by the time he was substituted to a standing ovation on the sixty-sixth minute, and his were the instances of utmost subtlety, the most exquisite touches and the sharpest as well.

When the Valladolid stadium chanted his name midway the opening period, he had just slipped unmarked into the area once more, chipping his shot over Svetoslav Vutsov and onto the woodwork, but it was not just that. He had already lifted a gorgeous pass into Álex Baena to strike wide and pulled another pass from which Baena was denied.

Sustained Attack

A disguised pass had set Samu Aghehowa up for what should have been the first goal, and a neat pass saw Oyarzabal scuff his shot. He got a opportunity of his own only to fail to find a proper connection, striking wide.

But then, shortly after, he delivered another ball in. This time Robin Le Normand headed across and Merino directed in. Spain, who had 88% of the ball, then had the advantage. The heat map appeared like they had run out of spray paint midway through and a little later Aghehowa could have made it two-nil.

Momentary Threat

But then in part it's the unpredictability, even the unfairness, that makes football great. And the initial occasion Bulgaria advanced into Spain's territory they might have leveled the score, Kiril Despodov abruptly breaking away and hitting the outside of the net.

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

Final Moments

As they had after the first goal, Bulgaria escaped again, Despodov sent through and putting his and their following shot wide and nevertheless the first time the visitors had a shot on target it was at the incorrect goal, Atanas Chernev deflecting into his own net. Yet it was not completely done, Merino fouled in the shins and stepping aside to let Oyarzabal blast in the ninety-ninth goal of De la Fuente's continuing reign.