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Everything began in Scottish soil and this impressive streak continues. That fateful evening at Hampden marked merely 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 expected his spell would be brief, the coach talked about a route emerging - and remarkably, the manager once accused of being unrealistic turned out right.

36 months and four days, Spain advanced extremely close of World Cup qualification, while simultaneously racking up their 29th straight official game unbeaten, matching the legendary record.

Pedri's Influence and Merino's Impact

On a night when Pedri played and Mikel Merino created the decisive impact, Spain overcame Bulgaria 4-0 to secure a perfect dozen from twelve in qualifying, nearing advancement. The Gunners' midfielder and sometime forward netted the opening two goals and could have secured his second consecutive hat-trick in three recent Spain appearances but when brought down in the closing minute, he selflessly passed the spot-kick to Mikel Oyarzabal instead.

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

Record Equaled

Currently, you might have noticed the symbol, and correctly so. Although FIFA might not classify it as a defeat, during this impressive run Spain actually lose once – 7-5 on penalties to Portugal in the Nations League final back in June. Yet formally at least, this current team has matched that historic team against which all Spanish national teams are compared.

Victory in Georgia in a month and the achievement will be exclusively theirs. En route they won 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, just like old times.

Total Control

The match represented "only" versus Bulgaria, admittedly, similar to previous matches against Georgia, Bulgaria, and Turkey but that's four wins from four, aggregate score 15-0. Occurred two moments immediately after La Selección scored their opening goals – the third strike being an self-inflicted – but ultimately their rivals had not been permitted a solitary shot on target.

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

Pedri's Masterclass

This performance was about the entire team, but at the core of it was Pedri, ubiquitous and elusive simultaneously: everywhere for Spain, nowhere for Bulgaria, incapable to detect him as he darted through their defense. He completed one hundred and one passes by the time he was substituted to a rapturous applause on 66 minutes, and his were the moments of utmost subtlety, the most exquisite touches and the sharpest as well.

When the Valladolid stadium sang his name midway the first half, he had just slipped unnoticed into the area again, dinking his shot over Svetoslav Vutsov and onto the crossbar, but it was not only that. He had already lifted a magnificent pass into Álex Baena to volley wide and pulled an additional pass from which Baena was denied.

Sustained Attack

An cleverly weighted pass had created opportunity for Samu Aghehowa up for what should have been the first goal, and a precise lay-off saw Oyarzabal scuff his attempt. He received a opportunity of his own only to be unable to find a clean contact, striking wide.

But then, shortly after, he delivered an additional ball in. This time Robin Le Normand nodded across and Merino headed in. Spain, who had 88% of the ball, now had the lead. The heat map appeared like they had run out of marking paint half way through and a moment later Aghehowa could have made it two.

Brief Resistance

But then in part it's the uncertainty, even the injustice, that makes football great. And the first time Bulgaria got into Spain's territory they might have equalized, Kiril Despodov abruptly breaking away and striking the side-netting.

Introduced for Aghehowa at the half-time, Borja Iglesias had multiple chances in as many minutes before Merino did it again. The delivery from the left flank was excellent 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 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 team's goal. Still it was not quite finished, Merino fouled in the legs and allowing to let Oyarzabal smash in the 99th goal of De la Fuente's continuing tenure.