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Everything started in Scotland and the momentum persists. That fateful night at Hampden represented only Luis de la Fuente's second outing as Spain's manager; numerous observers thought it could turn out to be his last match in charge. Despite two Scott McTominay goals overcoming the Spanish national team, while almost all spectators expected his tenure would be brief, De la Fuente spoke about a pathway opening - and remarkably, the man once accused of living in Disneyland turned out correct.

Three years and later, Spain advanced extremely close of World Cup participation, while simultaneously achieving their 29th straight official game without defeat, equaling the historic record.

Midfield Masterclass and Decisive Contribution

On a night when Pedri featured and Mikel Merino created the difference, Spain defeated Bulgaria 4-0 to secure a perfect dozen from twelve in qualifying, nearing advancement. The Gunners' playmaker and occasional striker netted the first two goals and might have earned his second consecutive three-goal haul in three Spain matches but when fouled in the closing minute, he selflessly passed the spot-kick to Mikel Oyarzabal instead.

Therefore it was La Real striker, scorer of the decisive goal in the European Championship showpiece, who continued the remarkable sequence, equaling what Vicente del Bosque's golden generation achieved between 2010 and 2013.

Record Equaled

Now, you might have observed the asterisk, and rightly so. Although FIFA might not count it as a loss, during this impressive run Spain did 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.

Win in Georgia in a month and the record 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 head toward 2026 sitting No. 1, among the frontrunners once more, reminiscent of previous eras.

Complete Domination

This was "only" versus Bulgaria, admittedly, similar to previous encounters against Georgia, Bulgaria, and Turkey but that's four wins from four, aggregate score fifteen-zero. Occurred two moments immediately after the Spanish team scored their first two goals – the third being an self-inflicted – but eventually their rivals had not been allowed a solitary shot on target.

Overall count read: 33-3, Spain demonstrably playing as Spain. Bulgaria's coach had admitted the only objective his team could have was to hold out as long as possible. Ultimately, that resistance lasted 33 minutes, and Merino's header constituted Spain's 18th 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: everywhere for Spain, nowhere for Bulgaria, incapable to track him as he flitted through their lines. He executed 101 passes by the time he was substituted to a rapturous applause on the sixty-sixth minute, and his were the moments of utmost subtlety, the finest touches and the most incisive as well.

When the Valladolid stadium sang his name midway the opening period, he had just slipped unmarked into the area again, dinking his shot over Svetoslav Vutsov and onto the crossbar, but it was not only that. He had previously lifted a gorgeous pass into Álex Baena to volley wide and delivered an additional back from which Baena was blocked.

Continued Pressure

A disguised delivery had set Samu Aghehowa up for what should 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 clean connection, striking wide.

But then, shortly after, he delivered an additional ball in. This time Robin Le Normand nodded across and Merino headed in. Spain, who had eighty-eight percent of the ball, now had the advantage. The positioning chart 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 unpredictability, even the injustice, that makes football great. And the first time Bulgaria advanced into Spain's territory they could have leveled the score, Kiril Despodov suddenly breaking away and hitting the side-netting.

Introduced for Aghehowa at the half-time, Borja Iglesias had three chances in as many minutes before Merino did it again. The delivery from the left was excellent from Álex Grimaldo and there, jumping above all defenders, was Merino to power the header down and sprint to celebrate round the corner flag.

Final Moments

As they had 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 away team had a shot on target it was at the incorrect goal, Atanas Chernev turning into his team's goal. Still it was not quite done, Merino kicked in the shins and stepping aside to let Oyarzabal blast in the ninety-ninth goal of De la Fuente's continuing reign.