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Everything started in Scottish soil and this impressive streak continues. That memorable night at Hampden marked only Luis de la Fuente's second outing as Spain's manager; many believed it might turn out to be his last match in charge. Although a pair of Scott McTominay goals defeating La Furia Roja, whereas virtually everyone expected his tenure would be short-lived, the coach spoke about a pathway emerging - and interestingly, the man previously criticized of being unrealistic proved correct.

36 months and four days, Spain moved to within touching distance of World Cup participation, and also racking up their twenty-ninth straight competitive game unbeaten, equaling the legendary record.

Midfield Masterclass and Decisive Contribution

During an evening when Pedri featured and Mikel Merino made the decisive impact, Spain defeated Bulgaria 4-0 to accumulate 12 points from 12 in qualifying, edging closer. The Gunners' midfielder and sometime forward netted the opening two goals and might have earned his second consecutive hat-trick in three Spain appearances but when fouled in the closing minute, he generously handed the penalty to Mikel Oyarzabal instead.

Thus it was La Real striker, goal-getter of the decisive goal in the European Championship final, who continued the impressive sequence, equaling what Vicente del Bosque's legendary squad accomplished 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 impressive run Spain did lose once – seven-five on penalties to Portugal in the continental tournament final back in June. However formally at least, this present team has matched that legendary team against which all Spanish sides are measured.

Win in Georgia in thirty days and the record will be theirs alone. En route they won the Nations League in 2023, the European Championships in 2024 and advanced to a Nations League final in 2025; they approach 2026 ranked number one, among the favorites once more, reminiscent of previous eras.

Total Control

This was "only" versus Bulgaria, it is true, just as previous matches against Georgia, Bulgaria, and Turkey but that's four wins from four, combined score fifteen-zero. Occurred two moments immediately after the Spanish team scored their opening goals – the third strike being an self-inflicted – but eventually their rivals had not been allowed a single shot on target.

The total count read: thirty-three to three, Spain clearly 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 constituted Spain's 18th attempt on target by that point.

Pedri's Masterclass

This performance was about all of them, but at the heart of it was Pedri, everywhere and nowhere simultaneously: present for Spain, absent for Bulgaria, unable to detect him as he darted through their defense. He completed 101 passes by the time he was substituted to a standing ovation on the sixty-sixth minute, and his were the moments of utmost subtlety, the most exquisite touches and the sharpest too.

When the Valladolid stadium chanted his name during the opening period, he had just drifted unmarked into the area once more, chipping his shot over Svetoslav Vutsov and onto the crossbar, but it was not just that. He had previously floated a gorgeous pass into Álex Baena to strike wide and delivered an additional pass from which Baena was denied.

Sustained Attack

An cleverly weighted delivery had set Samu Aghehowa up for what should have been the opener, and a precise lay-off saw Oyarzabal mishit his attempt. He received a opportunity of his own only to be unable to find a clean connection, 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 possession, now had the lead. The positioning chart looked like they had exhausted supply of spray paint midway through and a little later Aghehowa might have made it two-nil.

Momentary Threat

But then in part it's the unpredictability, even the injustice, that makes football great. And the first time Bulgaria advanced into Spain's territory they might have leveled the score, Kiril Despodov suddenly sprinting away and hitting the side-netting.

Brought on for Aghehowa at the break, Borja Iglesias had multiple chances in as many minutes before Merino did it again. The delivery from the left flank was excellent 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.

Closing Stages

Similar to their reaction after the opener, Bulgaria survived once more, Despodov sent through and sending his and their following shot wide and yet the first time the away team had a shot on target it was at the wrong end, Atanas Chernev deflecting into his own net. Still it was not quite done, Merino kicked in the legs and stepping aside to let Oyarzabal smash in the ninety-ninth goal of De la Fuente's ongoing reign.