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Everything began in Scottish soil and this impressive streak continues. That fateful night at Hampden represented only Luis de la Fuente's second outing as Spain's head coach; numerous observers thought it might prove to be his final 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 route opening - and remarkably, the manager once accused of being unrealistic proved right.

Three years and four days, Spain moved extremely close of World Cup participation, and also racking up their twenty-ninth consecutive competitive game without defeat, equaling the legendary record.

Pedri's Influence and Merino's Impact

On a night when Pedri featured and Mikel Merino made the difference, Spain overcame Bulgaria 4-0 to accumulate 12 points from twelve in qualifying, edging closer. The Arsenal playmaker and occasional striker netted the opening two goals and might have earned his second three-goal haul in three Spain appearances but after fouled in the closing minute, he generously handed the spot-kick to Mikel Oyarzabal instead.

Thus it was La Real striker, goal-getter of the winning goal in the Euro 2024 showpiece, who continued the impressive sequence, matching what Vicente del Bosque's legendary squad accomplished between 2010 and 2013.

Historic Achievement

Currently, readers may have observed the symbol, and rightly so. While FIFA may not count it as a defeat, during this remarkable run Spain actually suffer defeat once – 7-5 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 national teams are compared.

Victory in Georgia in a month and the achievement will be exclusively theirs. Along the way they captured the Nations League in 2023, the European Championships in 2024 and advanced to a Nations League final in 2025; they approach 2026 ranked No. 1, among the frontrunners once more, just like previous eras.

Complete Domination

This was "only" against Bulgaria, it is true, similar to previous encounters against Georgia, Bulgaria, and Turkey but that's four wins from four, aggregate score 15-0. There were two instances immediately after the Spanish team scored their opening goals – the third being an self-inflicted – but eventually their rivals had not been permitted a single shot on target.

The total statistics showed: 33-3, Spain demonstrably being Spain. Bulgaria's coach had admitted the only objective his team could have was to resist as long as possible. Ultimately, that resistance lasted thirty-three minutes, and Merino's header constituted Spain's eighteenth attempt on target by that point.

Pedri's Masterclass

The display was about the entire team, but at the heart of it was Pedri, ubiquitous and nowhere simultaneously: everywhere for Spain, nowhere for Bulgaria, unable to detect him as he darted 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 too.

When the Valladolid stadium chanted his name during the opening period, he had just slipped unmarked into the penalty box once more, chipping his shot over Svetoslav Vutsov and onto the crossbar, but it was not just that. He had previously lifted a gorgeous pass into Álex Baena to volley wide and delivered another pass from which Baena was denied.

Continued Pressure

A disguised pass had set Samu Aghehowa up for what should have been the opener, and a neat lay-off saw Oyarzabal scuff his shot. He got a opportunity of his own only to be unable to find a proper contact, volleying wide.

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

Brief Resistance

But then in part it's the uncertainty, even the injustice, that makes football special. And the initial occasion Bulgaria got into Spain's territory they could have leveled the score, Kiril Despodov suddenly breaking away and striking the side-netting.

Brought on for Aghehowa at the half-time, Borja Iglesias had three chances in as many minutes before Merino did it once more. The delivery from the left flank was excellent from Álex Grimaldo and there, leaping above all defenders, was Merino to power the header down and sprint to do laps around the corner flag.

Final Moments

Similar to their reaction after the first goal, Bulgaria survived once more, Despodov sent through and putting 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 deflecting into his own net. Still it was not completely done, Merino kicked in the legs and stepping aside to let Oyarzabal blast in the 99th goal of De la Fuente's continuing tenure.