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Everything began in Scotland and the momentum continues. That memorable night at Hampden represented merely Luis de la Fuente's second as Spain's manager; many believed it could prove to be his last match in charge. Although two Scott McTominay goals defeating the Spanish national team, while virtually everyone anticipated his tenure would be short-lived, De la Fuente talked about a pathway opening - and remarkably, the man once accused of living in Disneyland turned out right.

Three years and four days, Spain moved extremely close 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

During an evening when Pedri played and Mikel Merino made the difference, Spain defeated Bulgaria 4-0 to accumulate 12 points from 12 in qualifying, edging closer. The Arsenal playmaker and occasional forward netted the opening two goals and might have secured his second consecutive hat-trick in three Spain appearances but when fouled in the closing minute, he generously handed the spot-kick to Mikel Oyarzabal instead.

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

Record Equaled

Now, readers may have noticed the asterisk, and correctly so. Although FIFA might not classify it as a loss, during this remarkable run Spain actually lose once – 7-5 on penalties to Portugal in the continental tournament final back in June. However formally at least, this current team has matched that legendary squad against which all Spanish national teams are compared.

Victory in Georgia in a month and the record will be exclusively theirs. En route they captured the Nations League in 2023, the European Championships in 2024 and advanced to a Nations League final in 2025; they approach 2026 sitting No. 1, among the favorites once more, just like old times.

Complete Domination

The match represented "only" versus Bulgaria, admittedly, just as previous matches against Georgia, Bulgaria, and Turkey but that's four victories from four outings, combined score 15-0. Occurred two instances immediately after La Selección scored their opening goals – the third strike being an self-inflicted – but ultimately their opponents had not been permitted a single shot on target.

Overall statistics showed: thirty-three to three, Spain demonstrably playing as Spain. Bulgaria's coach had confessed the only objective his team could have was to hold out 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.

Midfield Brilliance

The display was about the entire team, but at the heart of it was Pedri, ubiquitous and elusive at once: present for Spain, absent for Bulgaria, unable to track him as he darted through their lines. He completed 101 passes by the time he was substituted to a standing ovation on 66 minutes, and his were the moments of greatest subtlety, the finest touches and the most incisive too.

When the José Zorrilla sang his name during the first half, he had just drifted unnoticed into the penalty box once more, chipping his shot over Svetoslav Vutsov and onto the crossbar, but it was not only that. He had already lifted a magnificent pass into Álex Baena to strike wide and pulled an additional pass from which Baena was denied.

Continued Pressure

A disguised pass had created opportunity for Samu Aghehowa up for what ought to have been the first goal, and a precise lay-off saw Oyarzabal mishit his shot. He got a chance of his own only to fail to find a proper contact, volleying wide.

But then, almost immediately after, he floated another ball in. This time Robin Le Normand nodded across and Merino headed in. Spain, who had 88% of the possession, now had the advantage. The heat map appeared like they had exhausted supply of spray paint midway through and a moment later Aghehowa could have made it two.

Momentary Threat

But then in part it's the uncertainty, even the unfairness, that makes football great. And the first time Bulgaria got into Spain's territory they might have leveled the score, Kiril Despodov abruptly sprinting away and striking the outside of the net.

Brought on for Aghehowa at the half-time, Borja Iglesias had multiple opportunities in as many minutes before Merino scored again. The delivery from the left was superb from Álex Grimaldo and there, jumping above all defenders, was Merino to power the header downward and dash off to celebrate round the corner flag.

Final Moments

As they had after the opener, Bulgaria escaped once more, Despodov sent through and sending his and their following shot wide and nevertheless the first time 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 quite done, Merino fouled in the shins and stepping aside to let Oyarzabal blast in the 99th goal of De la Fuente's ongoing tenure.