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It all began in Scotland and this impressive streak remains unbroken. That fateful night at Hampden marked merely Luis de la Fuente's second as Spain's head coach; numerous observers thought it could turn out to be his final assignment. Although two Scott McTominay goals overcoming La Furia Roja, whereas virtually everyone expected his spell would be brief, De la Fuente spoke about a pathway emerging - and interestingly, the man once accused of living in Disneyland turned out right.

36 months and four days, Spain advanced extremely close of global football participation, and also achieving their twenty-ninth straight official game unbeaten, matching the legendary record.

Midfield Masterclass and Merino's Impact

During an evening when Pedri featured and Mikel Merino made the difference, Spain overcame Bulgaria four-nil to secure a perfect dozen from twelve in World Cup qualification, nearing advancement. The Arsenal playmaker and occasional striker scored the first two goals and might have earned his second three-goal haul in three Spain matches but after fouled in the closing minute, he selflessly passed the spot-kick to Mikel Oyarzabal instead.

Thus it was the Real Sociedad striker, goal-getter of the decisive goal in the European Championship showpiece, who maintained the remarkable sequence, matching what Vicente del Bosque's golden generation achieved between 2010 and 2013.

Historic Achievement

Now, you might have noticed the asterisk, and correctly so. While FIFA might not count it as a defeat, during this impressive run Spain actually suffer defeat once – seven-five on penalties to Portugal in the continental tournament decider back in June. Yet formally at least, this current team has matched that legendary team against which all Spanish sides are measured.

Victory in Georgia in a month and the achievement will be theirs alone. 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 sitting number one, among the frontrunners once more, reminiscent of 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, aggregate score fifteen-zero. There were two moments immediately after La Selección obtained their opening goals – the third strike being an own goal – but ultimately their opponents had not been permitted a solitary shot on target.

Overall count read: thirty-three to three, Spain clearly playing as 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 constituted Spain's 18th attempt on target already.

Midfield Brilliance

This performance was about the entire team, but at the heart of it was Pedri, ubiquitous and nowhere at once: everywhere for Spain, nowhere for Bulgaria, unable to track him as he darted through their lines. He executed 101 passes by the time he was withdrawn to a standing ovation on 66 minutes, and his were the moments of greatest subtlety, the most exquisite touches and the most incisive too.

When the Valladolid stadium sang his name during the opening period, he had just slipped unnoticed into the area again, dinking 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 another pass from which Baena was blocked.

Continued Pressure

An cleverly weighted delivery had created opportunity for Samu Aghehowa up for what should have been the opener, and a precise lay-off saw Oyarzabal mishit his shot. He got a opportunity of his own only to be unable to find a proper connection, volleying wide.

But then, almost immediately after, he floated an additional ball in. This time Robin Le Normand headed across and Merino headed in. Spain, who had 88% of the ball, now had the advantage. The positioning chart appeared like they had exhausted supply of marking paint half way through and a moment later Aghehowa might have made it two.

Momentary Threat

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

Introduced for Aghehowa at the half-time, Borja Iglesias had three chances in as many minutes before Merino scored once more. The delivery from the left was superb from Álex Grimaldo and there, leaping above all defenders, was Merino to direct the header downward and sprint to celebrate round the corner flag.

Final Moments

As they had after the first goal, Bulgaria escaped once more, Despodov sent through and putting his and their second shot wide and nevertheless the initial instance the visitors had a shot on target it was at the incorrect goal, Atanas Chernev deflecting into his own net. Yet it was not completely done, Merino fouled in the shins and stepping aside to let Oyarzabal blast in the 99th goal of De la Fuente's continuing reign.