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Everything commenced in Scottish soil and this impressive streak continues. That fateful night at Hampden represented merely Luis de la Fuente's second as Spain's head coach; numerous observers thought it might turn out to be his last assignment. Despite a pair of Scott McTominay goals defeating the Spanish national team, whereas virtually everyone expected his spell would be short-lived, De la Fuente spoke about a route opening - and remarkably, the man previously criticized of living in Disneyland turned out right.

36 months and four days, Spain moved extremely close of global football participation, while simultaneously racking up their twenty-ninth consecutive competitive game unbeaten, equaling the historic record.

Midfield Masterclass and Decisive Contribution

During an evening when Pedri featured and Mikel Merino created the decisive impact, Spain overcame Bulgaria 4-0 to secure a perfect dozen from twelve in World Cup qualification, nearing advancement. The Gunners' midfielder and occasional forward scored the first two goals and could have secured his second consecutive three-goal haul in three recent Spain matches but when brought down in the closing minute, he generously handed the penalty to Mikel Oyarzabal instead.

Thus it was La Real striker, goal-getter of the winning goal in the Euro 2024 showpiece, who maintained the impressive sequence, equaling what Vicente del Bosque's golden generation achieved between 2010 and 2013.

Record Equaled

Now, you might have observed the symbol, and correctly so. Although FIFA may not classify it as a defeat, during this impressive run Spain actually lose once – seven-five on penalties to Portugal in the continental tournament decider back in June. However formally at least, this present team has equaled that legendary team against which all Spanish sides are measured.

Win in Georgia in a month and the record will be exclusively theirs. En route they won 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.

Total Control

The match represented "only" versus Bulgaria, admittedly, similar to previous encounters against Georgia, Bulgaria, and Turkey but that's four wins from four, combined score fifteen-zero. Occurred two instances immediately after the Spanish team scored their first two goals – the third strike being an own goal – but ultimately their opponents had not been allowed a single shot on target.

Overall statistics showed: 33-3, Spain demonstrably being Spain. Bulgaria's coach had confessed the only objective his team could have was to hold out as long as possible. As it turned out, that resistance lasted thirty-three minutes, and Merino's header represented Spain's 18th attempt on target already.

Midfield Brilliance

The display was about all of them, but at the core of it was Pedri, everywhere and elusive at once: present for Spain, nowhere for Bulgaria, unable to detect him as he darted through their lines. He completed 101 passes by the time he was substituted to a rapturous applause on 66 minutes, and his were the instances of utmost subtlety, the finest touches and the most incisive too.

When the Valladolid stadium chanted his name midway the opening period, he had just drifted unnoticed into the area again, chipping his shot over Svetoslav Vutsov and onto the woodwork, but it was not only that. He had already floated a magnificent pass into Álex Baena to volley wide and pulled an additional pass from which Baena was blocked.

Continued Pressure

A disguised delivery 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 be unable 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 directed in. Spain, who had 88% of the ball, now had the lead. The positioning chart appeared like they had run out of marking paint half way through and a little later Aghehowa might have made it two-nil.

Brief Resistance

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

Introduced for Aghehowa at the half-time, Borja Iglesias had three opportunities in as many minutes before Merino scored once more. The delivery from the left was superb from Álex Grimaldo and there, jumping above everyone, was Merino to direct the header down and dash off to celebrate round the flagpost.

Final Moments

Similar to their reaction after the first goal, Bulgaria survived once more, Despodov sent through and sending his and their second shot wide and yet the initial instance the visitors had a shot on target it was at the wrong end, Atanas Chernev turning into his own net. Yet it was not completely finished, Merino fouled in the shins and stepping aside to let Oyarzabal smash in the 99th goal of De la Fuente's continuing reign.