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It all started in Scotland and this impressive streak continues. That fateful night at Hampden represented merely Luis de la Fuente's second as Spain's manager; numerous observers thought it could turn out to be his last match in charge. Although a pair of Scott McTominay goals defeating the Spanish national team, whereas almost all spectators anticipated his tenure would be brief, the coach spoke about a route emerging - and interestingly, the man once accused of living in Disneyland proved right.

Three years and four days, Spain moved to within touching distance of World Cup participation, and also racking up their twenty-ninth straight official game unbeaten, matching the historic record.

Pedri's Influence and Merino's Impact

On a night when the Barcelona midfielder featured and Mikel Merino created the decisive impact, Spain defeated Bulgaria four-nil to secure a perfect dozen from twelve in World Cup qualification, nearing advancement. The Gunners' midfielder and occasional striker netted the opening two goals and might have earned his second three-goal haul in three Spain matches but after fouled in the final minute, he generously handed the spot-kick to Mikel Oyarzabal instead.

Therefore it was the Real Sociedad attacker, goal-getter of the winning goal in the European Championship showpiece, who continued the impressive sequence, equaling what Vicente del Bosque's golden generation achieved between 2010 and 2013.

Record Equaled

Currently, readers may have noticed the asterisk, and correctly so. Although FIFA may not classify it as a loss, during this impressive run Spain did lose once – seven-five on penalties to Portugal in the continental tournament decider back in June. Yet officially at least, this present team has equaled that legendary team against which all Spanish sides are compared.

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 approach 2026 sitting number one, among the frontrunners once more, just like previous eras.

Complete Domination

This was "only" against Bulgaria, it is true, just as previous encounters against Georgia, Bulgaria, and Turkey but that's four victories from four outings, combined 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 showed: 33-3, Spain demonstrably 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 already.

Pedri's Masterclass

The display was about the entire team, but at the core of it was Pedri, ubiquitous and nowhere at once: everywhere for Spain, absent for Bulgaria, incapable to detect him as he darted through their lines. He completed one hundred and one passes by the time he was withdrawn to a rapturous applause on 66 minutes, and his were the instances of utmost subtlety, the most exquisite touches and the most incisive too.

When the José Zorrilla chanted his name midway the opening period, he had just slipped unmarked into the area once more, chipping his shot over Svetoslav Vutsov and onto the crossbar, but it was not only that. He had previously floated a gorgeous pass into Álex Baena to strike wide and delivered another pass from which Baena was blocked.

Continued Pressure

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

But then, almost immediately after, he floated another ball in. This time Robin Le Normand nodded across and Merino directed in. Spain, who had eighty-eight percent of the ball, now had the advantage. The positioning chart appeared like they had run out of marking paint midway through and a moment later Aghehowa could have made it two.

Brief Resistance

But then in part it's the unpredictability, even the unfairness, that makes football special. And the first time Bulgaria advanced into Spain's territory they could have equalized, Kiril Despodov abruptly sprinting away and striking the side-netting.

Introduced 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, leaping above all defenders, was Merino to direct the header down and dash off to do laps round the flagpost.

Final Moments

Similar to their reaction after the opener, Bulgaria escaped again, 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 turning 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 ongoing reign.