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Everything began in Scotland and the momentum continues. That fateful evening at Hampden marked merely Luis de la Fuente's second as Spain's manager; numerous observers thought it could prove to be his final match in charge. Although two Scott McTominay goals defeating the Spanish national team, while virtually everyone anticipated his tenure would be brief, De la Fuente spoke about a route emerging - and interestingly, the man previously criticized of being unrealistic proved correct.

36 months and four days, Spain moved extremely close of global football qualification, while simultaneously racking up their 29th straight competitive game without defeat, equaling the legendary record.

Pedri's Influence and Merino's Impact

During an evening when Pedri played and Mikel Merino made the difference, Spain overcame Bulgaria four-nil to secure a perfect dozen from 12 in qualifying, edging closer. The Arsenal midfielder and occasional striker netted the first two goals and might have earned his second hat-trick in three recent Spain matches but when brought down in the closing minute, he generously handed the spot-kick to Mikel Oyarzabal instead.

Thus it was the Real Sociedad attacker, goal-getter of the decisive goal in the European Championship final, who continued the remarkable sequence, equaling what Vicente del Bosque's legendary squad achieved between 2010 and 2013.

Record Equaled

Now, readers may have observed the asterisk, and rightly so. While FIFA might not classify it as a loss, during this impressive run Spain actually lose once – 7-5 on penalties to Portugal in the Nations League final back in June. Yet formally at least, this present team has matched that legendary squad against which all Spanish sides are compared.

Win in Georgia in a month and the record will be exclusively theirs. Along the way they won 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 old times.

Total Control

The match represented "only" versus Bulgaria, admittedly, similar to previous encounters against Georgia, Bulgaria, and Turkey but that's four victories from four, aggregate score 15-0. Occurred two instances immediately after La Selección obtained their first two goals – the third being an own goal – but eventually their rivals had not been allowed a single shot on target.

The total count read: 33-3, Spain clearly being Spain. Bulgaria's coach had admitted the only 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 eighteenth 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 elusive simultaneously: everywhere for Spain, nowhere for Bulgaria, unable to track him as he flitted through their defense. 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 most incisive as well.

When the José Zorrilla chanted his name midway the first half, he had just drifted unmarked into the area again, dinking his shot over Svetoslav Vutsov and onto the woodwork, but it was not only that. He had already floated a magnificent pass into Álex Baena to volley wide and delivered an additional back from which Baena was blocked.

Sustained Attack

An cleverly weighted delivery had set Samu Aghehowa up for what ought to have been the opener, and a precise lay-off saw Oyarzabal scuff his shot. He got a opportunity of his own only to be unable to find a clean contact, striking wide.

But then, shortly after, he delivered an additional ball in. This time Robin Le Normand headed across and Merino directed in. Spain, who had eighty-eight percent of the ball, now had the lead. The positioning chart looked like they had run out of marking paint half way through and a little later Aghehowa might have made it two.

Momentary Threat

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

Brought on for Aghehowa at the break, Borja Iglesias had three chances in as many minutes before Merino scored again. The delivery from the left was superb from Álex Grimaldo and there, leaping above all defenders, was Merino to power the header downward and dash off to celebrate around the corner flag.

Closing Stages

Similar to their reaction after the opener, Bulgaria survived once more, Despodov played through and putting his and their second shot wide and nevertheless the initial instance the away team had a shot on target it was at the incorrect goal, Atanas Chernev turning into his own net. Yet it was not completely finished, Merino kicked in the legs and stepping aside to let Oyarzabal blast in the 99th goal of De la Fuente's continuing reign.