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Everything commenced in Scottish soil and this impressive streak continues. That fateful night at Hampden represented only Luis de la Fuente's second as Spain's manager; many believed it might prove to be his final assignment. Despite two Scott McTominay goals overcoming La Furia Roja, while virtually everyone anticipated his tenure would be brief, De la Fuente talked about a route opening - and interestingly, the manager previously criticized of living in Disneyland turned out right.

36 months and four days, Spain advanced to within touching distance of World Cup qualification, while simultaneously achieving their 29th consecutive official game unbeaten, equaling the historic record.

Pedri's Influence and Decisive Contribution

On a night when Pedri featured and Mikel Merino created the decisive impact, Spain overcame Bulgaria 4-0 to secure 12 points from 12 in World Cup qualification, nearing advancement. The Arsenal midfielder and sometime forward scored the first two goals and could have secured his second hat-trick in three Spain matches but after brought down in the final minute, he generously handed the spot-kick to Mikel Oyarzabal instead.

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

Record Equaled

Now, you might have observed the asterisk, and correctly so. Although FIFA may not classify it as a defeat, during this remarkable run Spain did lose once – seven-five on penalties to Portugal in the continental tournament final back in June. However formally at least, this present team has matched that legendary team against which all Spanish sides are compared.

Win in Georgia in a month and the achievement will be exclusively theirs. Along the way they captured 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

The match represented "only" versus Bulgaria, it is true, just as previous matches against Georgia, Bulgaria, and Turkey but that's four wins from four outings, aggregate score fifteen-zero. There were two instances immediately after the Spanish team obtained their opening goals – the third being an self-inflicted – but ultimately their opponents had not been permitted a solitary shot on target.

Overall count read: thirty-three to three, Spain clearly 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 resistance lasted thirty-three minutes, and Merino's header constituted Spain's eighteenth attempt on target already.

Midfield Brilliance

The display was about the entire team, but at the heart of it was Pedri, everywhere and elusive simultaneously: present for Spain, nowhere for Bulgaria, unable to detect him as he flitted through their defense. He executed 101 passes by the time he was substituted to a rapturous applause on 66 minutes, and his were the instances of utmost subtlety, the most exquisite touches and the most incisive as well.

When the Valladolid stadium sang his name during the opening period, he had just drifted unmarked into the penalty box once more, chipping his shot over Svetoslav Vutsov and onto the woodwork, but it was not just that. He had already floated a gorgeous pass into Álex Baena to volley wide and delivered an additional back from which Baena was denied.

Continued Pressure

A disguised pass had created opportunity for Samu Aghehowa up for what should have been the opener, and a precise lay-off saw Oyarzabal mishit his attempt. He got a opportunity of his own only to fail to find a proper connection, volleying 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 eighty-eight percent of the ball, then had the advantage. The heat map appeared like they had run out of spray paint half way through and a little 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 first time Bulgaria advanced into Spain's territory they might have equalized, Kiril Despodov abruptly breaking away and hitting the side-netting.

Brought on for Aghehowa at the break, Borja Iglesias had three chances in as many minutes before Merino did it once more. The cross from the left flank was excellent from Álex Grimaldo and there, leaping above everyone, was Merino to direct the header down and dash off to celebrate around the corner flag.

Closing Stages

As they had after the opener, Bulgaria escaped again, Despodov sent through and sending his and their second shot wide and yet the initial instance the visitors had a shot on target it was at the wrong end, Atanas Chernev deflecting into his team's goal. Yet it was not completely done, Merino fouled in the shins and allowing to let Oyarzabal smash in the ninety-ninth goal of De la Fuente's continuing tenure.