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It all began 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 head coach; numerous observers thought it could prove to be his final match in charge. Despite two Scott McTominay goals overcoming La Furia Roja, whereas virtually everyone expected his spell would be short-lived, De la Fuente talked about a route emerging - and remarkably, the man previously criticized of living in Disneyland turned out correct.

Three years and four days, Spain moved to within touching distance of World Cup qualification, and also racking up their 29th straight official game unbeaten, matching the legendary record.

Midfield Masterclass and Merino's Impact

During an evening when the Barcelona midfielder featured and Mikel Merino created the difference, Spain overcame Bulgaria four-nil to accumulate a perfect dozen from twelve in World Cup qualification, nearing advancement. The Gunners' playmaker and sometime striker scored the first two goals and could have secured his second three-goal haul in three recent Spain matches but when brought down in the final minute, he generously handed the penalty to Mikel Oyarzabal instead.

Therefore it was the Real Sociedad striker, goal-getter of the winning goal in the Euro 2024 final, who maintained the impressive sequence, equaling what Vicente del Bosque's legendary squad accomplished between 2010 and 2013.

Historic Achievement

Currently, readers may have observed the symbol, and rightly so. While FIFA might not classify it as a defeat, during this impressive run Spain actually suffer defeat once – seven-five on penalties to Portugal in the Nations League decider back in June. However formally at least, this present team has matched that historic squad against which all Spanish sides are measured.

Win in Georgia in thirty days 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 approach 2026 sitting number one, among the frontrunners once more, just like previous eras.

Total Control

This was "only" versus Bulgaria, admittedly, similar to previous matches against Georgia, Bulgaria, and Turkey but that's four victories from four outings, aggregate score fifteen-zero. Occurred two moments immediately after La Selección obtained their first two goals – the third being an own goal – but ultimately their rivals had not been permitted a single shot on target.

The total count read: 33-3, Spain demonstrably playing as Spain. Bulgaria's coach had confessed the sole objective his team could have was to resist as long as they could. As it turned out, that resistance lasted thirty-three minutes, and Merino's header represented 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: present for Spain, absent for Bulgaria, incapable to detect him as he flitted through their lines. He completed 101 passes by the time he was withdrawn to a standing ovation on 66 minutes, and his were the instances of greatest subtlety, the most exquisite touches and the sharpest as well.

When the José Zorrilla chanted his name during the opening period, he had just drifted unmarked into the area again, chipping his shot over Svetoslav Vutsov and onto the crossbar, but it was not just that. He had previously lifted a magnificent pass into Álex Baena to volley wide and pulled another back from which Baena was blocked.

Continued Pressure

An cleverly weighted pass had created opportunity for Samu Aghehowa up for what ought to have been the first goal, and a precise lay-off saw Oyarzabal mishit his attempt. He received a chance of his own only to be unable to find a proper contact, striking wide.

But then, almost immediately after, he floated an additional ball in. This time Robin Le Normand nodded across and Merino headed in. Spain, who had 88% of the possession, then had the lead. The positioning chart looked like they had run out of marking paint half way through and a moment later Aghehowa could have made it two.

Brief Resistance

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 might have equalized, Kiril Despodov abruptly sprinting away and striking the outside of the net.

Introduced for Aghehowa at the half-time, Borja Iglesias had multiple opportunities in as many minutes before Merino scored again. The delivery from the left was excellent from Álex Grimaldo and there, jumping above all defenders, was Merino to direct the header down and sprint to celebrate around the corner flag.

Closing Stages

Similar to their reaction after the first goal, Bulgaria escaped again, Despodov sent through and putting his and their second shot wide and yet the initial instance the away team had a shot on target it was at the incorrect goal, Atanas Chernev deflecting into his team's goal. Still it was not completely finished, Merino fouled in the legs and stepping aside to let Oyarzabal blast in the 99th goal of De la Fuente's continuing reign.