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Everything started in Scotland and the momentum remains unbroken. That fateful evening at Hampden represented merely Luis de la Fuente's second as Spain's head coach; numerous observers thought it might turn out to be his final match in charge. Although a pair of Scott McTominay goals defeating the Spanish national team, while almost all spectators expected his spell would be brief, the coach talked about a pathway opening - and remarkably, the man previously criticized of living in Disneyland turned out right.

36 months and four days, Spain moved to within touching distance of global football participation, and also achieving their 29th consecutive official game without defeat, matching the legendary record.

Midfield Masterclass and Merino's Impact

During an evening when the Barcelona midfielder played and Mikel Merino made the difference, Spain overcame Bulgaria four-nil to accumulate a perfect dozen from 12 in World Cup qualification, nearing advancement. The Arsenal playmaker and sometime striker netted the opening two goals and might have earned his second three-goal haul in three Spain appearances but after brought down in the closing minute, he generously handed the spot-kick to Mikel Oyarzabal instead.

Therefore it was La Real striker, scorer of the winning goal in the Euro 2024 showpiece, who maintained the remarkable sequence, equaling what Vicente del Bosque's legendary squad accomplished between 2010 and 2013.

Historic Achievement

Currently, readers may have observed the asterisk, and correctly so. Although FIFA may not count it as a loss, during this remarkable run Spain did lose once – 7-5 on penalties to Portugal in the Nations League final back in June. However officially at least, this present team has matched that historic team against which all Spanish national teams are measured.

Victory in Georgia in a month and the record will be exclusively theirs. Along the way they captured the Nations League in 2023, the European Championships in 2024 and reached a Nations League final in 2025; they head toward 2026 ranked No. 1, among the favorites once more, just like old times.

Complete Domination

This was "only" versus Bulgaria, admittedly, similar to previous matches against Georgia, Bulgaria, and Turkey but that's four wins from four outings, combined score 15-0. There were two instances immediately after La Selección scored their first two goals – the third strike being an self-inflicted – but eventually their opponents had not been permitted a solitary shot on target.

The total statistics read: thirty-three to three, Spain demonstrably being Spain. Bulgaria's coach had confessed the only objective his team could have was to resist as long as possible. As it turned out, that resistance lasted 33 minutes, and Merino's header constituted Spain's 18th attempt on target already.

Pedri's Masterclass

This performance was about the entire team, but at the core of it was Pedri, ubiquitous and elusive at once: present for Spain, absent 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 finest touches and the most incisive too.

When the José Zorrilla chanted his name during the opening period, he had just drifted 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 already floated a magnificent pass into Álex Baena to volley wide and delivered an additional back from which Baena was blocked.

Sustained Attack

An cleverly weighted delivery had set Samu Aghehowa up for what should have been the opener, and a precise lay-off saw Oyarzabal mishit his attempt. He received a opportunity of his own only to be unable to find a clean connection, striking wide.

But then, almost immediately after, he floated another ball in. This time Robin Le Normand nodded across and Merino directed in. Spain, who had 88% of the possession, then had the advantage. The heat map looked like they had exhausted supply of spray paint half way through and a moment later Aghehowa could have made it two.

Brief Resistance

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

Introduced for Aghehowa at the break, Borja Iglesias had multiple chances in as many minutes before Merino scored once more. The cross from the left was superb from Álex Grimaldo and there, jumping above everyone, was Merino to power the header downward and dash off to celebrate round the corner flag.

Final Moments

Similar to their reaction after the opener, Bulgaria survived once more, Despodov sent through and putting his and their second shot wide and yet the initial instance the visitors had a shot on target it was at the incorrect goal, Atanas Chernev turning 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 ninety-ninth goal of De la Fuente's continuing tenure.