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It all started in Scottish soil and the momentum continues. That fateful evening at Hampden marked merely Luis de la Fuente's second outing as Spain's manager; many believed it could turn out to be his last match in charge. Despite two Scott McTominay goals overcoming La Furia Roja, whereas almost all spectators anticipated his spell would be brief, the coach talked about a pathway opening - and remarkably, the manager once accused of being unrealistic proved right.

Three years and four days, Spain moved extremely close of global football qualification, while simultaneously racking up their twenty-ninth consecutive competitive game without defeat, equaling the legendary record.

Pedri's Influence and Decisive Contribution

During an evening when the Barcelona midfielder played and Mikel Merino made the difference, Spain defeated Bulgaria 4-0 to accumulate a perfect dozen from twelve in qualifying, nearing advancement. The Gunners' playmaker and occasional striker scored the first two goals and might have secured his second three-goal haul in three Spain matches but after brought down in the closing minute, he generously handed the spot-kick to Mikel Oyarzabal instead.

Therefore it was La Real striker, scorer of the decisive goal in the Euro 2024 final, who continued the remarkable sequence, matching what Vicente del Bosque's legendary squad accomplished between 2010 and 2013.

Historic Achievement

Now, readers may have observed the asterisk, and correctly so. Although FIFA may not classify it as a loss, during this impressive run Spain actually lose once – 7-5 on penalties to Portugal in the continental tournament decider 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 thirty days and the achievement will be theirs alone. En route they captured the Nations League in 2023, the European Championships in 2024 and advanced to a Nations League final in 2025; they approach 2026 sitting No. 1, among the frontrunners once more, reminiscent of previous eras.

Total Control

The match represented "only" versus Bulgaria, admittedly, just as previous encounters against Georgia, Bulgaria, and Turkey but that's four wins from four outings, aggregate score 15-0. Occurred two instances immediately after the Spanish team obtained their first two goals – the third strike being an self-inflicted – but ultimately their opponents had not been allowed a solitary shot on target.

The total count read: thirty-three to three, Spain clearly being Spain. Bulgaria's coach had admitted the only objective his team could have was to resist as long as they could. Ultimately, that defensive effort lasted 33 minutes, and Merino's header represented Spain's 18th attempt on target by that point.

Midfield Brilliance

This performance was about all of them, but at the core of it was Pedri, ubiquitous and elusive at once: everywhere for Spain, absent for Bulgaria, incapable to track him as he darted through their lines. He executed 101 passes by the time he was substituted to a rapturous applause on 66 minutes, and his were the moments of greatest subtlety, the most exquisite touches and the most incisive as well.

When the José Zorrilla chanted his name during the opening period, he had just drifted unmarked into the area again, chipping his shot over Svetoslav Vutsov and onto the woodwork, but it was not only that. He had previously floated a gorgeous pass into Álex Baena to strike wide and delivered an additional back from which Baena was denied.

Continued Pressure

An cleverly weighted pass had created opportunity for Samu Aghehowa up for what should have been the opener, and a neat lay-off saw Oyarzabal mishit his attempt. He got a chance of his own only to fail to find a clean connection, striking wide.

But then, almost immediately after, he delivered an additional ball in. This time Robin Le Normand headed across and Merino directed in. Spain, who had eighty-eight percent of the ball, now had the advantage. The heat map appeared like they had exhausted supply of spray paint midway 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 advanced into Spain's half they might have equalized, Kiril Despodov abruptly breaking away and striking the side-netting.

Introduced for Aghehowa at the break, Borja Iglesias had multiple opportunities in as many minutes before Merino scored once more. The cross from the left flank was excellent from Álex Grimaldo and there, leaping above everyone, was Merino to direct the header down and dash off to celebrate round the corner flag.

Final Moments

Similar to their reaction after the opener, Bulgaria survived again, Despodov sent through and putting his and their second shot wide and yet 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 completely finished, Merino kicked in the shins and stepping aside to let Oyarzabal smash in the ninety-ninth goal of De la Fuente's continuing reign.