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It all started in Scotland and the momentum continues. That memorable night at Hampden represented only Luis de la Fuente's second outing as Spain's manager; numerous observers thought it could turn out to be his final assignment. Although a pair of Scott McTominay goals defeating the Spanish national team, while almost all spectators anticipated his tenure would be brief, the coach talked about a pathway emerging - and interestingly, the man once accused of living in Disneyland turned out correct.

36 months and later, Spain advanced to within touching distance of World Cup qualification, and also racking up their twenty-ninth straight official game unbeaten, matching the legendary record.

Midfield Masterclass and Decisive Contribution

On a night when the Barcelona midfielder featured and Mikel Merino made the difference, Spain overcame Bulgaria 4-0 to secure 12 points from 12 in qualifying, nearing advancement. The Arsenal midfielder and sometime forward scored the opening two goals and might have earned his second consecutive hat-trick in three Spain appearances but when fouled in the final minute, he generously handed the spot-kick to Mikel Oyarzabal instead.

Thus it was the Real Sociedad attacker, goal-getter of the decisive goal in the European Championship final, who maintained the remarkable sequence, matching what Vicente del Bosque's legendary squad accomplished between 2010 and 2013.

Record Equaled

Currently, readers may have observed the symbol, and rightly so. Although FIFA may not classify it as a loss, during this impressive run Spain did lose once – 7-5 on penalties to Portugal in the Nations League final back in June. Yet formally at least, this present team has matched that legendary team against which all Spanish national teams are compared.

Victory in Georgia in a month and the achievement will be theirs alone. 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 head toward 2026 ranked number one, among the favorites once more, reminiscent of previous eras.

Total Control

This was "only" versus Bulgaria, admittedly, just as previous encounters against Georgia, Bulgaria, and Turkey but that's four victories from four outings, combined score fifteen-zero. There were two moments immediately after the Spanish team obtained their first two goals – the third strike being an self-inflicted – but eventually their rivals had not been permitted a solitary shot on target.

Overall statistics showed: 33-3, Spain demonstrably being Spain. Bulgaria's coach had confessed the sole objective his team could have was to hold out as long as they could. Ultimately, that defensive effort lasted thirty-three minutes, and Merino's header constituted Spain's 18th attempt on target already.

Midfield Brilliance

The display was about all of them, but at the core of it was Pedri, everywhere and elusive simultaneously: everywhere for Spain, absent for Bulgaria, unable to track him as he flitted 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 utmost subtlety, the most exquisite touches and the most incisive too.

When the José Zorrilla sang his name midway the first half, he had just slipped unnoticed into the area again, chipping his shot over Svetoslav Vutsov and onto the crossbar, but it was not just that. He had previously floated a gorgeous pass into Álex Baena to volley wide and delivered an additional pass from which Baena was blocked.

Continued Pressure

An cleverly weighted delivery had created opportunity for Samu Aghehowa up for what ought to have been the opener, and a precise lay-off saw Oyarzabal scuff his attempt. He received a chance of his own only to fail to find a clean connection, volleying wide.

But then, shortly after, he floated an additional ball in. This time Robin Le Normand headed across and Merino headed in. Spain, who had 88% of the possession, then had the advantage. The positioning chart looked like they had run out 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 uncertainty, even the unfairness, that makes football great. And the initial occasion Bulgaria got into Spain's half they could have equalized, Kiril Despodov abruptly sprinting away and striking the outside of the net.

Brought on for Aghehowa at the half-time, Borja Iglesias had three opportunities in as many minutes before Merino did it once more. The delivery from the left flank was excellent from Álex Grimaldo and there, jumping above all defenders, was Merino to power the header down and sprint to celebrate round the flagpost.

Closing Stages

Similar to their reaction after the first goal, Bulgaria escaped once more, Despodov sent through and putting his and their following shot wide and yet the initial instance the visitors 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 smash in the 99th goal of De la Fuente's continuing reign.