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Everything started in Scotland and this impressive streak persists. That memorable night at Hampden marked only Luis de la Fuente's second outing as Spain's manager; numerous observers thought it could turn out to be his final assignment. Despite a pair of Scott McTominay goals overcoming the Spanish national team, while virtually everyone anticipated his tenure would be brief, De la Fuente talked about a pathway opening - and interestingly, the man once accused of living in Disneyland proved correct.

36 months and four days, Spain advanced extremely close of World Cup participation, and also achieving their 29th consecutive official game without defeat, matching the historic record.

Midfield Masterclass and Merino's Impact

During an evening when the Barcelona midfielder featured and Mikel Merino created the difference, Spain overcame Bulgaria 4-0 to accumulate 12 points from 12 in World Cup qualification, edging closer. The Gunners' midfielder and sometime forward netted the first two goals and might have earned his second three-goal haul in three Spain appearances but when brought down in the closing minute, he generously handed the spot-kick to Mikel Oyarzabal instead.

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

Historic Achievement

Currently, you might have observed the symbol, and correctly so. While 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. Yet officially at least, this present team has equaled that legendary team against which all Spanish national teams are compared.

Win in Georgia in a month and the achievement will be theirs alone. En route they captured the Nations League in 2023, the European Championships in 2024 and reached a Nations League final in 2025; they approach 2026 ranked number one, among the frontrunners once more, just like previous eras.

Complete Domination

This was "only" versus Bulgaria, it is true, similar to previous encounters against Georgia, Bulgaria, and Turkey but that's four victories from four outings, combined score fifteen-zero. There were two instances immediately after La Selección obtained their opening goals – the third being an own goal – but ultimately their rivals had not been allowed a single shot on target.

The total statistics read: 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. As it turned out, that resistance lasted thirty-three minutes, and Merino's header constituted Spain's eighteenth attempt on target already.

Midfield Brilliance

The display was about the entire team, but at the core of it was Pedri, everywhere and nowhere at once: present for Spain, absent for Bulgaria, unable to track him as he darted through their defense. He executed 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 finest touches and the sharpest too.

When the Valladolid stadium chanted his name during the first half, he had just slipped unmarked into the penalty box once more, chipping his shot over Svetoslav Vutsov and onto the woodwork, but it was not just that. He had already floated a magnificent pass into Álex Baena to volley wide and delivered an additional back from which Baena was denied.

Sustained Attack

A disguised delivery had created opportunity for Samu Aghehowa up for what ought to have been the first goal, and a neat lay-off saw Oyarzabal scuff his attempt. He received a opportunity of his own only to be unable to find a clean contact, striking wide.

But then, shortly after, he floated another ball in. This time Robin Le Normand nodded across and Merino headed in. Spain, who had eighty-eight percent of the ball, then had the lead. The heat map appeared like they had exhausted supply of marking paint midway through and a moment later Aghehowa might have made it two-nil.

Brief Resistance

But then in part it's the uncertainty, even the injustice, that makes football great. And the first time Bulgaria advanced into Spain's territory they could have equalized, Kiril Despodov abruptly breaking away and hitting the outside of the net.

Introduced for Aghehowa at the break, Borja Iglesias had multiple chances in as many minutes before Merino scored once more. The cross from the left flank was superb from Álex Grimaldo and there, jumping above all defenders, was Merino to power the header down and sprint to do laps round the flagpost.

Final Moments

As they had after the opener, Bulgaria survived again, Despodov played through and sending his and their second shot wide and nevertheless the first time the away team had a shot on target it was at the incorrect goal, Atanas Chernev turning into his team's goal. Yet it was not completely done, Merino kicked in the legs and allowing to let Oyarzabal blast in the ninety-ninth goal of De la Fuente's continuing tenure.