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Everything began in Scottish soil and the momentum persists. That memorable night at Hampden marked only Luis de la Fuente's second outing as Spain's manager; numerous observers thought it could prove to be his last match in charge. Despite a pair of Scott McTominay goals defeating La Furia Roja, while almost all spectators anticipated his spell would be short-lived, De la Fuente talked about a pathway emerging - and remarkably, the man previously criticized of living in Disneyland turned out correct.

Three years and four days, Spain advanced to within touching distance of World Cup participation, while simultaneously achieving their twenty-ninth 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 difference, Spain overcame Bulgaria four-nil to accumulate a perfect dozen from 12 in qualifying, nearing advancement. The Arsenal midfielder and sometime striker scored the opening two goals and could have secured his second three-goal haul in three recent Spain matches but after brought down in the closing minute, he generously handed the penalty to Mikel Oyarzabal instead.

Thus it was the Real Sociedad striker, scorer of the decisive goal in the Euro 2024 showpiece, who maintained the remarkable sequence, matching what Vicente del Bosque's legendary squad achieved between 2010 and 2013.

Record Equaled

Now, you might have noticed the symbol, and rightly so. Although FIFA may not classify it as a loss, during this impressive run Spain actually suffer defeat once – 7-5 on penalties to Portugal in the Nations League decider back in June. Yet officially at least, this current team has equaled that legendary team against which all Spanish national teams are compared.

Win 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 head toward 2026 ranked number one, among the favorites once more, reminiscent of previous eras.

Total Control

This was "only" versus Bulgaria, it is true, just as previous encounters against Georgia, Bulgaria, and Turkey but that's four wins from four, combined score 15-0. Occurred two moments immediately after La Selección scored their first two goals – the third strike being an own goal – but eventually their rivals had not been permitted a single shot on target.

The total statistics showed: 33-3, Spain demonstrably being 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 resistance lasted thirty-three minutes, and Merino's header represented Spain's 18th attempt on target already.

Pedri's Masterclass

This performance was about all of them, but at the core of it was Pedri, everywhere and elusive at once: present for Spain, absent for Bulgaria, incapable to detect him as he darted through their defense. He completed one hundred and one passes by the time he was withdrawn to a rapturous applause on the sixty-sixth minute, and his were the moments of greatest subtlety, the finest touches and the most incisive as well.

When the José Zorrilla sang his name midway the first half, he had just slipped unmarked into the penalty box once more, 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 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 ought to have been the first goal, and a precise pass saw Oyarzabal scuff his shot. He received a opportunity of his own only to be unable to find a proper contact, volleying wide.

But then, shortly after, he floated an additional ball in. This time Robin Le Normand headed across and Merino directed in. Spain, who had eighty-eight percent of the possession, now had the advantage. The heat map looked like they had run out of spray paint midway through and a little later Aghehowa could have made it two-nil.

Momentary Threat

But then in part it's the unpredictability, even the injustice, that makes football special. And the initial occasion Bulgaria got into Spain's territory they could have leveled the score, Kiril Despodov suddenly breaking away and striking the side-netting.

Brought on for Aghehowa at the half-time, Borja Iglesias had multiple chances in as many minutes before Merino did it again. The cross from the left flank was excellent from Álex Grimaldo and there, jumping above everyone, was Merino to direct the header downward and sprint to celebrate round the corner flag.

Final Moments

As they had after the opener, Bulgaria escaped once more, Despodov played through and putting his and their following shot wide and nevertheless 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. Still it was not quite finished, Merino fouled in the shins and stepping aside to let Oyarzabal smash in the 99th goal of De la Fuente's ongoing tenure.