🔗 Share this article

Everything began in Scotland and the momentum remains unbroken. That memorable night at Hampden represented merely 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 defeating the Spanish national team, whereas almost all spectators expected his tenure would be short-lived, the coach spoke about a route emerging - and remarkably, the manager once accused of being unrealistic proved right.

36 months and later, Spain advanced extremely close of global football qualification, and also achieving their twenty-ninth consecutive competitive game without defeat, matching the legendary record.

Midfield Masterclass and Decisive Contribution

On a night when Pedri played and Mikel Merino created the decisive impact, Spain defeated Bulgaria four-nil to accumulate 12 points from twelve in World Cup qualification, nearing advancement. The Gunners' playmaker and occasional forward scored the opening two goals and could have earned his second consecutive three-goal haul in three Spain appearances but after fouled in the closing minute, he selflessly passed the penalty to Mikel Oyarzabal instead.

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

Historic Achievement

Currently, you might have noticed the asterisk, and rightly so. While FIFA might not count it as a defeat, during this remarkable run Spain did suffer defeat once – 7-5 on penalties to Portugal in the continental tournament decider back in June. Yet officially at least, this current team has equaled that historic team against which all Spanish sides are compared.

Win in Georgia in thirty days 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 favorites once more, reminiscent of previous eras.

Complete Domination

This was "only" against Bulgaria, admittedly, just as previous encounters against Georgia, Bulgaria, and Turkey but that's four wins from four, combined score fifteen-zero. There were two moments immediately after the Spanish team scored their opening goals – the third strike being an self-inflicted – but eventually their opponents had not been permitted a solitary shot on target.

The total statistics showed: 33-3, Spain clearly playing as Spain. Bulgaria's coach had admitted the sole objective his team could have was to hold out as long as they could. Ultimately, that defensive effort lasted 33 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 core of it was Pedri, ubiquitous and elusive simultaneously: everywhere for Spain, absent for Bulgaria, unable to detect him as he flitted through their lines. He executed 101 passes by the time he was withdrawn to a standing ovation on 66 minutes, and his were the moments of greatest subtlety, the finest touches and the sharpest as well.

When the Valladolid stadium sang his name during the opening period, he had just slipped unnoticed into the area once more, dinking his shot over Svetoslav Vutsov and onto the woodwork, but it was not just that. He had previously floated a magnificent pass into Álex Baena to strike wide and delivered an additional pass from which Baena was denied.

Sustained Attack

An cleverly weighted delivery had created opportunity for Samu Aghehowa up for what should have been the opener, and a neat lay-off saw Oyarzabal scuff his shot. He received a opportunity of his own only to be unable to find a proper contact, striking wide.

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

Momentary Threat

But then in part it's the unpredictability, even the injustice, that makes football special. And the first time Bulgaria got into Spain's territory they might have leveled the score, Kiril Despodov abruptly breaking away and striking the side-netting.

Brought on for Aghehowa at the break, Borja Iglesias had three chances in as many minutes before Merino scored once more. The delivery from the left flank was superb from Álex Grimaldo and there, jumping above all defenders, was Merino to direct the header downward and sprint to do laps around the corner flag.

Closing Stages

As they had after the opener, Bulgaria survived once more, Despodov sent through and putting his and their second shot wide and yet the first time the visitors had a shot on target it was at the incorrect goal, Atanas Chernev deflecting into his own net. Yet it was not completely finished, Merino kicked in the legs and allowing to let Oyarzabal blast in the 99th goal of De la Fuente's ongoing reign.