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Everything began in Scotland and this impressive streak persists. That fateful evening at Hampden represented merely Luis de la Fuente's second as Spain's manager; numerous observers thought it might turn out to be his final assignment. Despite two Scott McTominay goals defeating the Spanish national team, whereas virtually everyone expected his tenure would be brief, the coach talked about a pathway emerging - and remarkably, the manager previously criticized of being unrealistic proved correct.

Three years and later, Spain advanced extremely close of global football participation, while simultaneously racking up their twenty-ninth consecutive official game without defeat, matching the historic record.

Pedri's Influence and Decisive Contribution

During an evening when Pedri featured and Mikel Merino made the decisive impact, Spain defeated Bulgaria four-nil to secure 12 points from twelve in World Cup qualification, nearing advancement. The Gunners' midfielder and sometime striker scored the opening two goals and could have earned his second consecutive hat-trick in three Spain matches but after brought down in the closing minute, he selflessly passed the penalty to Mikel Oyarzabal instead.

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

Historic Achievement

Now, you might have noticed the symbol, and rightly so. While FIFA may not classify it as a defeat, during this impressive run Spain did lose once – seven-five on penalties to Portugal in the Nations League final back in June. Yet officially at least, this current team has equaled that legendary squad against which all Spanish national teams are compared.

Win 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 reached a Nations League final in 2025; they approach 2026 sitting number one, among the favorites once more, reminiscent of old times.

Total Control

This was "only" against Bulgaria, it is true, just as previous encounters against Georgia, Bulgaria, and Turkey but that's four wins from four outings, combined 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 rivals had not been allowed a single shot on target.

The total count read: 33-3, Spain demonstrably being Spain. Bulgaria's coach had admitted the sole objective his team could have was to hold out as long as possible. Ultimately, that defensive effort lasted 33 minutes, and Merino's header constituted Spain's 18th attempt on target by that point.

Midfield Brilliance

The display was about the entire team, but at the heart of it was Pedri, ubiquitous and elusive at once: everywhere for Spain, nowhere for Bulgaria, incapable to detect him as he darted through their defense. He completed one hundred and one passes by the time he was substituted to a standing ovation on 66 minutes, and his were the moments of greatest subtlety, the most exquisite touches and the most incisive too.

When the Valladolid stadium sang his name during the opening period, he had just slipped unmarked into the area 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 strike wide and delivered an additional back from which Baena was denied.

Continued Pressure

An cleverly weighted pass had set Samu Aghehowa up for what ought to have been the opener, and a neat lay-off saw Oyarzabal mishit his attempt. He got a opportunity 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 directed in. Spain, who had 88% of the ball, now had the lead. The heat map looked like they had exhausted supply of marking paint midway through and a moment later Aghehowa could have made it two-nil.

Brief Resistance

But then in part it's the uncertainty, even the injustice, that makes football special. And the initial occasion Bulgaria got into Spain's half they could have leveled the score, Kiril Despodov suddenly sprinting away and hitting the side-netting.

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

Closing Stages

As they had after the opener, Bulgaria survived once more, Despodov sent through and sending his and their second shot wide and nevertheless the first time the visitors had a shot on target it was at the wrong end, Atanas Chernev turning into his own net. Still it was not quite finished, Merino kicked in the legs and stepping aside to let Oyarzabal smash in the ninety-ninth goal of De la Fuente's ongoing tenure.