🔗 Share this article

Everything began in Scotland and the momentum continues. That memorable night at Hampden represented only Luis de la Fuente's second as Spain's manager; numerous observers thought it might turn out to be his final match in charge. Despite two Scott McTominay goals overcoming the Spanish national team, while almost all spectators anticipated his spell would be brief, the coach spoke about a route opening - and interestingly, the man previously criticized of living in Disneyland turned out right.

36 months and later, Spain advanced extremely close of World Cup qualification, and also achieving their twenty-ninth consecutive competitive game unbeaten, equaling the historic record.

Midfield Masterclass and Decisive Contribution

On a night when Pedri featured and Mikel Merino made the difference, Spain overcame Bulgaria four-nil to accumulate a perfect dozen from twelve in qualifying, edging closer. The Gunners' midfielder and occasional forward netted the first two goals and might have earned his second consecutive three-goal haul in three recent Spain matches but after brought down in the closing minute, he generously handed the spot-kick to Mikel Oyarzabal instead.

Thus it was La Real attacker, scorer of the decisive goal in the European Championship final, who maintained the impressive sequence, matching what Vicente del Bosque's legendary squad accomplished between 2010 and 2013.

Historic Achievement

Currently, readers may have observed the symbol, and correctly so. While FIFA may not classify it as a defeat, during this impressive run Spain did lose once – seven-five on penalties to Portugal in the Nations League final back in June. However formally at least, this present team has equaled that legendary team against which all Spanish sides are measured.

Victory in Georgia in a month and the record will be theirs alone. 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 sitting No. 1, among the frontrunners once more, just like old times.

Total Control

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

The total statistics read: 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 they could. Ultimately, that defensive effort lasted thirty-three minutes, and Merino's header represented Spain's eighteenth attempt on target by that point.

Midfield Brilliance

This performance was about all of them, but at the heart of it was Pedri, ubiquitous and elusive at once: everywhere for Spain, absent for Bulgaria, incapable to detect him as he flitted through their lines. He executed 101 passes by the time he was substituted to a standing ovation on 66 minutes, and his were the instances of greatest subtlety, the most exquisite touches and the most incisive as well.

When the Valladolid stadium chanted his name during the opening period, he had just drifted unnoticed into the penalty box again, chipping his shot over Svetoslav Vutsov and onto the woodwork, but it was not only that. He had already floated a gorgeous pass into Álex Baena to strike wide and delivered another pass from which Baena was denied.

Sustained Attack

A disguised delivery had set Samu Aghehowa up for what should have been the first goal, and a neat lay-off saw Oyarzabal mishit his shot. He received a chance of his own only to fail to find a proper connection, striking wide.

But then, almost immediately after, he delivered an additional ball in. This time Robin Le Normand nodded across and Merino headed 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 half way through and a moment later Aghehowa might have made it two.

Brief Resistance

But then in part it's the uncertainty, even the unfairness, that makes football great. And the initial occasion Bulgaria advanced into Spain's territory they could have leveled the score, Kiril Despodov suddenly sprinting away and hitting the outside of the net.

Brought on for Aghehowa at the half-time, 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 everyone, was Merino to power the header down and sprint to celebrate round the corner flag.

Closing Stages

Similar to their reaction after the first goal, Bulgaria escaped again, Despodov played through and putting his and their following shot wide and yet the first time the visitors had a shot on target it was at the incorrect goal, Atanas Chernev turning into his team's goal. Yet it was not quite finished, Merino fouled in the shins and allowing to let Oyarzabal blast in the ninety-ninth goal of De la Fuente's continuing tenure.