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It all began in Scottish soil and this impressive streak remains unbroken. That memorable night at Hampden marked merely Luis de la Fuente's second as Spain's manager; numerous observers thought it might turn out to be his last match in charge. Despite a pair of Scott McTominay goals overcoming La Furia Roja, whereas almost all spectators anticipated his tenure would be brief, De la Fuente spoke about a route emerging - and interestingly, the man once accused of living in Disneyland turned out correct.

Three years and later, Spain advanced extremely close of global football participation, and also achieving their twenty-ninth consecutive competitive game without defeat, matching the historic record.

Midfield Masterclass and Decisive Contribution

During an evening when Pedri played and Mikel Merino created the difference, Spain overcame Bulgaria 4-0 to accumulate 12 points from 12 in World Cup qualification, nearing advancement. The Arsenal midfielder and occasional forward scored the first two goals and could have secured his second consecutive three-goal haul in three Spain matches but after fouled in the closing minute, he generously handed the spot-kick to Mikel Oyarzabal instead.

Therefore it was La Real attacker, scorer of the decisive goal in the European Championship final, who continued the impressive sequence, matching what Vicente del Bosque's legendary squad achieved between 2010 and 2013.

Record Equaled

Currently, you might have observed the symbol, and correctly so. While FIFA may not count it as a loss, during this impressive run Spain did suffer defeat once – 7-5 on penalties to Portugal in the Nations League decider back in June. However formally at least, this current team has matched that legendary team against which all Spanish sides are measured.

Victory in Georgia in thirty days and the achievement will be theirs alone. Along the way 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 frontrunners once more, reminiscent of previous eras.

Total Control

This was "only" versus Bulgaria, admittedly, just as previous encounters against Georgia, Bulgaria, and Turkey but that's four victories from four outings, aggregate score 15-0. There were two instances immediately after the Spanish team obtained their first two goals – the third being an own goal – but ultimately their rivals had not been allowed a single shot on target.

The total count read: 33-3, Spain demonstrably being Spain. Bulgaria's coach had admitted the sole objective his team could have was to hold out as long as they could. As it turned out, that resistance lasted 33 minutes, and Merino's header represented Spain's 18th attempt on target by that point.

Pedri's Masterclass

This performance was about the entire team, but at the heart of it was Pedri, ubiquitous and elusive at once: present 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 standing ovation on the sixty-sixth minute, and his were the instances of utmost subtlety, the most exquisite touches and the sharpest too.

When the José Zorrilla sang his name during the first half, he had just drifted unnoticed into the penalty box once more, dinking his shot over Svetoslav Vutsov and onto the crossbar, but it was not only that. He had previously floated a gorgeous pass into Álex Baena to strike wide and pulled an additional pass from which Baena was denied.

Sustained Attack

A disguised pass had set Samu Aghehowa up for what ought to 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, volleying wide.

But then, shortly after, he delivered another ball in. This time Robin Le Normand headed across and Merino headed in. Spain, who had eighty-eight percent of the ball, then had the lead. The positioning chart appeared like they had run out of spray paint midway through and a little later Aghehowa might have made it two.

Brief Resistance

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

Brought on for Aghehowa at the break, Borja Iglesias had multiple chances in as many minutes before Merino did it again. The delivery from the left flank was superb from Álex Grimaldo and there, jumping above all defenders, was Merino to power the header down and sprint to do laps round the corner flag.

Final Moments

Similar to their reaction after the opener, Bulgaria escaped once more, Despodov sent through and putting his and their second shot wide and yet the initial instance 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 kicked in the legs and allowing to let Oyarzabal blast in the 99th goal of De la Fuente's continuing tenure.