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Everything commenced in Scotland and this impressive streak persists. That memorable night at Hampden represented only Luis de la Fuente's second as Spain's manager; many believed it could turn out to be his final match in charge. Although two Scott McTominay goals overcoming La Furia Roja, while almost all spectators anticipated his spell would be short-lived, the coach spoke about a pathway emerging - and interestingly, the manager previously criticized of living in Disneyland turned out right.

36 months and later, Spain moved extremely close of global football participation, while simultaneously racking up their 29th straight official game without defeat, equaling the legendary record.

Pedri's Influence and Decisive Contribution

On a night when Pedri featured and Mikel Merino made the difference, Spain overcame Bulgaria four-nil to secure a perfect dozen from twelve in qualifying, edging closer. The Arsenal midfielder and occasional forward netted the first two goals and could have earned his second hat-trick in three recent Spain matches but after fouled in the final minute, he generously handed the penalty to Mikel Oyarzabal instead.

Therefore it was La Real attacker, scorer of the winning goal in the Euro 2024 showpiece, who maintained the remarkable sequence, matching what Vicente del Bosque's golden generation accomplished between 2010 and 2013.

Historic Achievement

Currently, you might have observed the asterisk, and rightly so. Although FIFA may not count it as a loss, during this impressive run Spain did lose once – seven-five on penalties to Portugal in the continental tournament final back in June. Yet officially at least, this current team has matched that historic team against which all Spanish national teams are measured.

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

Complete Domination

This was "only" versus Bulgaria, it is true, similar to previous matches against Georgia, Bulgaria, and Turkey but that's four wins from four outings, combined score fifteen-zero. There were two moments immediately after La Selección obtained their opening goals – the third being an own goal – but ultimately their opponents had not been permitted a single shot on target.

Overall statistics showed: 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 possible. As it turned out, that resistance lasted 33 minutes, and Merino's header represented Spain's eighteenth attempt on target already.

Pedri's Masterclass

This performance was about all of them, but at the heart of it was Pedri, everywhere and elusive simultaneously: present for Spain, nowhere for Bulgaria, incapable to detect him as he flitted through their lines. He completed 101 passes by the time he was substituted 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 midway the first half, he had just slipped unmarked into the area once more, dinking his shot over Svetoslav Vutsov and onto the crossbar, but it was not just that. He had already floated a magnificent pass into Álex Baena to volley wide and pulled another back from which Baena was denied.

Continued Pressure

An cleverly weighted delivery had set Samu Aghehowa up for what ought to have been the first goal, and a precise pass saw Oyarzabal scuff his shot. He got a chance of his own only to be unable to find a proper contact, striking wide.

But then, shortly after, he floated an additional ball in. This time Robin Le Normand nodded across and Merino directed in. Spain, who had eighty-eight percent of the possession, now had the advantage. The heat map appeared like they had exhausted supply of spray paint midway through and a little later Aghehowa might have made it two.

Momentary Threat

But then in part it's the uncertainty, even the unfairness, that makes football special. And the first time Bulgaria advanced into Spain's territory 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 scored again. The delivery from the left was superb from Álex Grimaldo and there, jumping above everyone, was Merino to direct the header down and dash off to do laps around the corner flag.

Final Moments

Similar to their reaction after the first goal, Bulgaria escaped again, Despodov played through and putting his and their second shot wide and nevertheless 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 quite finished, Merino fouled in the legs and allowing to let Oyarzabal blast in the ninety-ninth goal of De la Fuente's continuing tenure.