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It all started in Scotland and the momentum remains unbroken. That memorable evening at Hampden marked only Luis de la Fuente's second outing as Spain's head coach; many believed it might turn out to be his final assignment. Despite two Scott McTominay goals defeating La Furia Roja, while almost all spectators expected his spell would be short-lived, the coach spoke about a route opening - and interestingly, the manager once accused of living in Disneyland proved right.

Three years and later, Spain moved extremely close of global football participation, and also racking up their twenty-ninth consecutive competitive game without defeat, matching the historic record.

Midfield Masterclass and Merino's Impact

On a night when Pedri played and Mikel Merino created the difference, Spain overcame Bulgaria four-nil to secure a perfect dozen from 12 in World Cup qualification, nearing advancement. The Gunners' playmaker and sometime forward netted the opening two goals and could have secured his second consecutive three-goal haul in three Spain appearances but after fouled in the final minute, he selflessly passed the penalty to Mikel Oyarzabal instead.

Thus it was the Real Sociedad attacker, scorer of the winning goal in the Euro 2024 final, who continued the remarkable sequence, equaling what Vicente del Bosque's golden generation accomplished between 2010 and 2013.

Record Equaled

Currently, readers may have observed the symbol, and correctly so. Although FIFA may not count 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 officially at least, this present team has matched that legendary squad against which all Spanish national teams are compared.

Victory 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 advanced to a Nations League final in 2025; they head toward 2026 sitting No. 1, among the frontrunners once more, reminiscent of old times.

Total Control

This was "only" versus Bulgaria, admittedly, similar to previous encounters against Georgia, Bulgaria, and Turkey but that's four victories from four, combined score 15-0. Occurred two instances immediately after the Spanish team scored their opening goals – the third strike being an own goal – but eventually their opponents had not been permitted a solitary shot on target.

The total count read: thirty-three to three, Spain clearly being Spain. Bulgaria's coach had admitted the sole objective his team could have was to hold out as long as possible. As it turned out, that resistance lasted 33 minutes, and Merino's header constituted Spain's eighteenth attempt on target by that point.

Pedri's Masterclass

This performance was about the entire team, but at the heart of it was Pedri, everywhere and elusive simultaneously: present for Spain, nowhere for Bulgaria, incapable to track him as he darted through their lines. He completed 101 passes by the time he was withdrawn to a standing ovation on 66 minutes, and his were the moments of utmost subtlety, the most exquisite touches and the sharpest as well.

When the Valladolid stadium chanted his name during the first half, he had just drifted unnoticed into the penalty box once more, chipping his shot over Svetoslav Vutsov and onto the crossbar, 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

A disguised pass had created opportunity for Samu Aghehowa up for what should have been the first goal, and a neat lay-off saw Oyarzabal mishit his attempt. He got a opportunity of his own only to be unable to find a proper connection, volleying wide.

But then, shortly after, he delivered an additional ball in. This time Robin Le Normand headed across and Merino headed in. Spain, who had 88% of the ball, then had the lead. The heat map looked like they had run out of marking paint midway through and a moment later Aghehowa could have made it two-nil.

Momentary Threat

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 equalized, Kiril Despodov suddenly breaking away and hitting the side-netting.

Brought on for Aghehowa at the break, Borja Iglesias had multiple chances in as many minutes before Merino scored once more. The delivery from the left was excellent from Álex Grimaldo and there, jumping above all defenders, was Merino to power the header downward and sprint to celebrate round the corner flag.

Closing Stages

As they had after the first goal, Bulgaria survived once more, 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 wrong end, Atanas Chernev deflecting into his own net. Yet it was not quite finished, Merino fouled in the legs and stepping aside to let Oyarzabal blast in the ninety-ninth goal of De la Fuente's continuing tenure.