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It all started in Scottish soil and this impressive streak persists. That memorable 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. Although a pair of Scott McTominay goals defeating the Spanish national team, while virtually everyone expected his spell would be short-lived, the coach talked about a route opening - and remarkably, the manager previously criticized of being unrealistic turned out correct.

Three years and four days, Spain advanced to within touching distance of World Cup participation, while simultaneously racking up their 29th consecutive official game unbeaten, equaling the historic record.

Midfield Masterclass and Merino's Impact

On a night when the Barcelona midfielder featured and Mikel Merino made the decisive impact, Spain defeated Bulgaria 4-0 to secure a perfect dozen from twelve in World Cup qualification, nearing advancement. The Gunners' midfielder and occasional striker netted the opening two goals and might have earned his second hat-trick in three recent Spain matches but when brought down in the closing minute, he selflessly passed the penalty to Mikel Oyarzabal instead.

Therefore it was the Real Sociedad striker, scorer of the winning goal in the European Championship final, who continued the impressive sequence, matching what Vicente del Bosque's legendary squad accomplished between 2010 and 2013.

Historic Achievement

Currently, you might have observed the asterisk, and rightly so. While FIFA may not classify it as a defeat, during this impressive run Spain did lose once – 7-5 on penalties to Portugal in the continental tournament final back in June. Yet formally at least, this present team has equaled that legendary squad against which all Spanish national teams are compared.

Win in Georgia in a month and the achievement 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 ranked number one, among the favorites once more, just like previous eras.

Complete Domination

The match represented "only" against Bulgaria, it is true, similar to previous encounters 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 first two goals – the third strike being an self-inflicted – but ultimately their rivals had not been allowed a solitary shot on target.

The total count showed: 33-3, Spain clearly playing as Spain. Bulgaria's coach had admitted the sole objective his team could have was to resist as long as they could. As it turned out, that defensive effort lasted 33 minutes, and Merino's header constituted Spain's eighteenth attempt on target by that point.

Pedri's Masterclass

The display was about all of them, but at the heart of it was Pedri, everywhere and nowhere at once: present for Spain, absent for Bulgaria, unable to track him as he flitted through their lines. He executed 101 passes by the time he was withdrawn to a rapturous applause on 66 minutes, and his were the moments of utmost subtlety, the most exquisite touches and the most incisive as well.

When the José Zorrilla chanted his name midway the opening period, he had just drifted unmarked into the penalty box 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 volley wide and delivered another pass from which Baena was blocked.

Sustained Attack

An cleverly weighted pass had created opportunity for Samu Aghehowa up for what should have been the first goal, and a neat pass saw Oyarzabal scuff his attempt. He got a opportunity of his own only to fail 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 headed in. Spain, who had 88% of the possession, then had the advantage. The positioning chart 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 half 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 multiple opportunities in as many minutes before Merino scored 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 around the flagpost.

Final Moments

Similar to their reaction after the first goal, Bulgaria survived again, Despodov played through and putting his and their following shot wide and yet the initial instance the away team had a shot on target it was at the wrong end, Atanas Chernev deflecting into his team's goal. Yet it was not quite done, Merino kicked in the legs and allowing to let Oyarzabal blast in the ninety-ninth goal of De la Fuente's ongoing tenure.