🔗 Share this article

Everything started in Scotland and the momentum remains unbroken. That memorable evening at Hampden represented only Luis de la Fuente's second as Spain's head coach; numerous observers thought it could prove to be his last match in charge. Although a pair of Scott McTominay goals overcoming the Spanish national team, whereas almost all spectators anticipated his tenure would be short-lived, the coach talked about a pathway emerging - and remarkably, the man once accused of being unrealistic turned out right.

36 months and four days, Spain moved to within touching distance of World Cup qualification, while simultaneously racking up their 29th straight official game unbeaten, matching the historic record.

Pedri's Influence and Merino's Impact

During an evening when Pedri played and Mikel Merino created the decisive impact, Spain defeated Bulgaria 4-0 to secure 12 points from 12 in World Cup qualification, nearing advancement. The Arsenal playmaker and sometime striker netted the opening two goals and might have secured his second hat-trick in three Spain appearances but when brought down in the final minute, he selflessly passed the spot-kick to Mikel Oyarzabal instead.

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

Historic Achievement

Now, readers may have observed the asterisk, and correctly so. While FIFA may not count it as a defeat, during this impressive run Spain did suffer defeat once – seven-five on penalties to Portugal in the continental tournament final back in June. Yet formally at least, this current team has equaled that historic team against which all Spanish national teams are compared.

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 advanced to a Nations League final in 2025; they head toward 2026 ranked No. 1, among the favorites once more, just like old times.

Complete Domination

The match represented "only" against Bulgaria, it is true, just as previous matches against Georgia, Bulgaria, and Turkey but that's four victories from four, combined score fifteen-zero. There were two moments immediately after La Selección obtained their first two goals – the third being an own goal – but ultimately their opponents had not been permitted a solitary shot on target.

The total statistics read: thirty-three to three, Spain clearly playing as Spain. Bulgaria's coach had confessed the sole objective his team could have was to resist as long as possible. Ultimately, that defensive effort lasted 33 minutes, and Merino's header represented Spain's eighteenth attempt on target by that point.

Midfield Brilliance

The display was about the entire team, but at the core of it was Pedri, everywhere and elusive simultaneously: present for Spain, nowhere for Bulgaria, unable to track him as he darted through their lines. He executed one hundred and one 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 as well.

When the José Zorrilla sang his name during the opening period, he had just drifted unmarked into the area again, chipping his shot over Svetoslav Vutsov and onto the crossbar, but it was not just that. He had previously floated a gorgeous pass into Álex Baena to strike wide and pulled an additional pass from which Baena was blocked.

Continued Pressure

An cleverly weighted pass had created opportunity for Samu Aghehowa up for what ought to have been the opener, and a neat lay-off saw Oyarzabal scuff his attempt. He received a opportunity of his own only to fail to find a proper contact, volleying wide.

But then, shortly after, he floated an additional ball in. This time Robin Le Normand nodded across and Merino directed in. Spain, who had eighty-eight percent of the possession, now had the advantage. The heat map appeared 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 unpredictability, even the unfairness, that makes football special. And the first time Bulgaria got into Spain's territory they could have equalized, Kiril Despodov abruptly breaking away and hitting the side-netting.

Brought on for Aghehowa at the half-time, Borja Iglesias had three opportunities in as many minutes before Merino did it again. The cross from the left flank was superb from Álex Grimaldo and there, jumping above all defenders, was Merino to direct the header downward and dash off to do laps around the corner flag.

Closing Stages

Similar to their reaction after the opener, Bulgaria survived once more, Despodov sent through and putting his and their following 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 team's goal. Still it was not quite done, Merino kicked in the legs and stepping aside to let Oyarzabal smash in the 99th goal of De la Fuente's ongoing reign.