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It all commenced in Scotland and this impressive streak remains unbroken. That fateful night at Hampden represented only Luis de la Fuente's second as Spain's head coach; many believed it could turn out to be his last match in charge. Despite two Scott McTominay goals defeating La Furia Roja, whereas virtually everyone expected his tenure would be short-lived, De la Fuente spoke about a route emerging - and interestingly, the manager once accused of being unrealistic turned out correct.

Three years and four days, Spain moved extremely close of World Cup participation, and also racking up their 29th straight official game unbeaten, equaling the legendary record.

Pedri's Influence and Merino's Impact

During an evening when Pedri played and Mikel Merino made the decisive impact, Spain overcame Bulgaria 4-0 to accumulate 12 points from twelve in World Cup qualification, nearing advancement. The Gunners' playmaker and occasional striker netted the first two goals and could have secured his second three-goal haul in three recent Spain matches but after fouled in the closing minute, he selflessly passed the spot-kick to Mikel Oyarzabal instead.

Therefore it was La Real attacker, scorer of the winning goal in the Euro 2024 final, who maintained the impressive sequence, equaling what Vicente del Bosque's golden generation achieved between 2010 and 2013.

Historic Achievement

Now, you might have noticed the symbol, and rightly so. While FIFA might not count it as a defeat, during this impressive run Spain did lose once – 7-5 on penalties to Portugal in the continental tournament decider back in June. Yet formally at least, this current team has equaled that historic squad against which all Spanish national teams are compared.

Victory in Georgia in thirty days and the achievement will be theirs alone. En route they captured the Nations League in 2023, the European Championships in 2024 and advanced to a Nations League final in 2025; they approach 2026 sitting No. 1, among the frontrunners once more, just like previous eras.

Complete Domination

The match represented "only" versus Bulgaria, it is true, just as previous encounters against Georgia, Bulgaria, and Turkey but that's four victories from four outings, combined score fifteen-zero. Occurred two moments immediately after the Spanish team obtained their first two goals – the third strike being an self-inflicted – but eventually their opponents had not been allowed a solitary shot on target.

The total count showed: 33-3, Spain clearly being Spain. Bulgaria's coach had admitted the sole objective his team could have was to hold out as long as they could. Ultimately, that resistance lasted 33 minutes, and Merino's header represented Spain's eighteenth attempt on target by that point.

Midfield Brilliance

This performance was about the entire team, but at the heart of it was Pedri, everywhere and elusive at once: everywhere for Spain, nowhere for Bulgaria, incapable to track him as he darted through their defense. He completed one hundred and one passes by the time he was withdrawn to a standing ovation on 66 minutes, and his were the instances of greatest subtlety, the finest touches and the sharpest as well.

When the Valladolid stadium sang his name during the first half, he had just drifted unnoticed into the penalty box again, chipping his shot over Svetoslav Vutsov and onto the crossbar, but it was not only that. He had previously lifted a magnificent pass into Álex Baena to volley wide and delivered another back from which Baena was denied.

Continued Pressure

An cleverly weighted pass had set Samu Aghehowa up for what should have been the first goal, and a precise pass saw Oyarzabal scuff his shot. He received a opportunity 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 headed across and Merino directed in. Spain, who had 88% of the ball, now had the advantage. The positioning chart looked like they had exhausted supply of marking paint half way through and a moment later Aghehowa could have made it two.

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 equalized, Kiril Despodov suddenly sprinting away and striking the outside of the net.

Brought on for Aghehowa at the break, Borja Iglesias had multiple opportunities in as many minutes before Merino scored again. The delivery from the left was superb from Álex Grimaldo and there, jumping above everyone, was Merino to power the header down and dash off to celebrate round the corner flag.

Final Moments

Similar to their reaction after the opener, Bulgaria escaped again, Despodov sent through and putting his and their following shot wide and nevertheless the first time the away team had a shot on target it was at the incorrect goal, Atanas Chernev turning into his own net. Still it was not quite finished, Merino kicked in the shins and allowing to let Oyarzabal smash in the 99th goal of De la Fuente's ongoing tenure.