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It all began in Scotland and this impressive streak remains unbroken. That memorable evening at Hampden marked merely Luis de la Fuente's second outing as Spain's head coach; many believed it might prove to be his last assignment. Despite a pair of Scott McTominay goals overcoming the Spanish national team, while virtually everyone expected his spell would be brief, the coach spoke about a route opening - and interestingly, the man previously criticized of being unrealistic turned out correct.

Three years and later, Spain moved to within touching distance of World Cup participation, and also racking up their 29th straight competitive game unbeaten, matching the historic record.

Pedri's Influence and Merino's Impact

On a night when the Barcelona midfielder featured and Mikel Merino created the difference, Spain defeated Bulgaria four-nil to accumulate 12 points from twelve in World Cup qualification, nearing advancement. The Arsenal midfielder and occasional forward scored the opening two goals and might have earned his second three-goal haul in three recent Spain appearances but after fouled 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 final, who continued the remarkable sequence, equaling what Vicente del Bosque's legendary squad achieved between 2010 and 2013.

Record Equaled

Now, readers may have noticed the symbol, and rightly so. Although FIFA might not classify it as a loss, during this impressive run Spain actually lose once – seven-five on penalties to Portugal in the Nations League decider back in June. However officially at least, this present team has equaled that historic squad against which all Spanish national teams are measured.

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 head toward 2026 ranked No. 1, among the favorites once more, just like previous eras.

Complete Domination

This was "only" against Bulgaria, admittedly, similar to previous matches against Georgia, Bulgaria, and Turkey but that's four victories from four, aggregate score fifteen-zero. There were two moments immediately after the Spanish team scored their opening goals – the third being an self-inflicted – but eventually their opponents had not been permitted a solitary shot on target.

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

Pedri's Masterclass

This performance was about the entire team, but at the heart of it was Pedri, ubiquitous and elusive simultaneously: everywhere for Spain, nowhere for Bulgaria, incapable to detect him as he flitted through their lines. He executed 101 passes by the time he was substituted to a standing ovation on 66 minutes, and his were the instances of utmost subtlety, the most exquisite touches and the most incisive too.

When the José Zorrilla chanted his name midway the opening period, he had just slipped unmarked into the area again, 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 back from which Baena was blocked.

Continued Pressure

A disguised delivery had created opportunity for Samu Aghehowa up for what should have been the opener, and a neat pass saw Oyarzabal scuff his attempt. He got a opportunity of his own only to fail to find a proper contact, volleying wide.

But then, almost immediately after, he floated another ball in. This time Robin Le Normand nodded across and Merino directed in. Spain, who had eighty-eight percent of the possession, then had the lead. The heat map looked like they had exhausted supply of marking paint half way through and a moment later Aghehowa might have made it two-nil.

Brief Resistance

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

Brought on for Aghehowa at the break, Borja Iglesias had three opportunities in as many minutes before Merino scored again. The cross from the left flank was excellent from Álex Grimaldo and there, leaping above everyone, was Merino to power the header downward and sprint to do laps around the corner flag.

Closing Stages

Similar to their reaction after the opener, Bulgaria escaped once more, Despodov played through and putting his and their second shot wide and nevertheless the initial instance the away team had a shot on target it was at the wrong end, Atanas Chernev turning into his own net. Yet it was not completely done, Merino kicked in the legs and stepping aside to let Oyarzabal smash in the ninety-ninth goal of De la Fuente's ongoing tenure.