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It all began in Scotland and this impressive streak persists. That fateful evening at Hampden represented only Luis de la Fuente's second as Spain's manager; many believed it could turn out to be his last assignment. Although a pair of Scott McTominay goals defeating the Spanish national team, while virtually everyone expected his spell would be brief, De la Fuente spoke about a pathway opening - and interestingly, the man once accused of living in Disneyland proved right.

36 months and four days, Spain moved to within touching distance of World Cup qualification, while simultaneously achieving their twenty-ninth straight competitive game unbeaten, matching the historic record.

Midfield Masterclass and Merino's Impact

On a night when Pedri played and Mikel Merino made the decisive impact, Spain overcame Bulgaria 4-0 to secure a perfect dozen 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 when brought down in the closing minute, he selflessly passed the spot-kick to Mikel Oyarzabal instead.

Therefore it was La Real striker, scorer of the decisive goal in the Euro 2024 showpiece, who maintained the impressive sequence, matching 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 loss, during this impressive run Spain did lose once – seven-five on penalties to Portugal in the continental tournament decider back in June. However formally at least, this current team has matched that legendary team against which all Spanish sides are measured.

Win 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 ranked number one, among the favorites once more, just like old times.

Total Control

The match represented "only" against Bulgaria, admittedly, just as previous matches against Georgia, Bulgaria, and Turkey but that's four wins from four, aggregate score 15-0. Occurred two instances immediately after La Selección obtained their opening goals – the third being an self-inflicted – but ultimately their opponents had not been allowed a single shot on target.

The total statistics read: 33-3, Spain demonstrably playing as Spain. Bulgaria's coach had confessed the only 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.

Pedri's Masterclass

The display was about the entire team, but at the core of it was Pedri, everywhere and nowhere simultaneously: everywhere for Spain, nowhere for Bulgaria, incapable to track him as he darted through their lines. He executed one hundred and one passes by the time he was substituted to a standing ovation on 66 minutes, and his were the instances of utmost subtlety, the most exquisite touches and the most incisive too.

When the José Zorrilla chanted his name midway the opening period, he had just slipped unnoticed into the penalty box once more, dinking his shot over Svetoslav Vutsov and onto the woodwork, but it was not only that. He had previously floated a gorgeous pass into Álex Baena to strike wide and delivered an additional pass from which Baena was blocked.

Continued Pressure

A disguised delivery had set Samu Aghehowa up for what should have been the opener, and a precise pass saw Oyarzabal scuff his attempt. He received a opportunity of his own only to be unable to find a clean contact, volleying 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 88% of the ball, then had the advantage. The heat map appeared like they had exhausted supply of spray paint midway through and a little later Aghehowa could have made it two.

Brief Resistance

But then in part it's the uncertainty, even the injustice, that makes football special. And the first time Bulgaria got into Spain's territory they might have equalized, Kiril Despodov suddenly breaking away and hitting the outside of the net.

Brought on for Aghehowa at the break, Borja Iglesias had multiple opportunities in as many minutes before Merino scored once more. The cross from the left was excellent from Álex Grimaldo and there, jumping above all defenders, was Merino to direct the header down and dash off to do laps round the corner flag.

Final Moments

As they had after the opener, Bulgaria escaped once more, Despodov played through and sending his and their second shot wide and yet the first time the away team had a shot on target it was at the wrong end, Atanas Chernev turning into his own net. Yet it was not completely done, Merino fouled in the legs and allowing to let Oyarzabal smash in the ninety-ninth goal of De la Fuente's ongoing reign.