🔗 Share this article

Everything began in Scotland and this impressive streak persists. That memorable night at Hampden represented only Luis de la Fuente's second as Spain's head coach; many believed it could turn out to be his final assignment. Despite a pair of Scott McTominay goals defeating the Spanish national team, while virtually everyone anticipated his spell would be short-lived, the coach talked about a route emerging - and interestingly, the manager once accused of being unrealistic proved right.

Three years and four days, Spain moved to within touching distance of World Cup participation, while simultaneously achieving their twenty-ninth consecutive competitive game unbeaten, equaling the legendary record.

Midfield Masterclass and Merino's Impact

During an evening when the Barcelona midfielder played and Mikel Merino created the decisive impact, Spain defeated Bulgaria 4-0 to secure a perfect dozen from twelve in World Cup qualification, edging closer. The Gunners' playmaker and occasional striker scored the opening two goals and might have earned his second consecutive hat-trick in three Spain appearances but after brought down in the final minute, he selflessly passed the spot-kick to Mikel Oyarzabal instead.

Thus it was the Real Sociedad striker, goal-getter of the winning goal in the Euro 2024 final, who continued the remarkable sequence, equaling what Vicente del Bosque's golden generation achieved between 2010 and 2013.

Record Equaled

Now, you might have noticed the symbol, and rightly so. Although FIFA may not classify it as a defeat, during this impressive run Spain did suffer defeat once – 7-5 on penalties to Portugal in the continental tournament decider back in June. However formally at least, this present team has equaled that historic squad against which all Spanish national teams are measured.

Victory in Georgia in thirty days 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 No. 1, among the frontrunners once more, reminiscent of previous eras.

Total Control

The match represented "only" against Bulgaria, it is true, similar to previous encounters against Georgia, Bulgaria, and Turkey but that's four victories from four, combined score fifteen-zero. There were two instances immediately after the Spanish team scored their opening goals – the third strike being an own goal – but ultimately their opponents had not been permitted a solitary shot on target.

Overall count showed: 33-3, Spain clearly being Spain. Bulgaria's coach had admitted the sole objective his team could have was to hold out as long as they could. As it turned out, that resistance lasted thirty-three minutes, and Merino's header represented Spain's 18th attempt on target by that point.

Pedri's Masterclass

This performance was about all of them, but at the heart of it was Pedri, ubiquitous and nowhere at once: present for Spain, nowhere for Bulgaria, unable to track him as he darted through their defense. He completed 101 passes by the time he was substituted to a rapturous applause on 66 minutes, and his were the moments of greatest subtlety, the finest touches and the most incisive as well.

When the Valladolid stadium chanted his name midway the opening period, he had just slipped unmarked into the penalty box again, dinking his shot over Svetoslav Vutsov and onto the crossbar, but it was not only that. He had already lifted a magnificent pass into Álex Baena to strike wide and pulled another pass from which Baena was blocked.

Continued Pressure

A disguised pass had set Samu Aghehowa up for what ought to have been the opener, and a neat lay-off saw Oyarzabal mishit his shot. He got a chance of his own only to be unable to find a proper contact, volleying 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 88% of the ball, then had the advantage. The heat map appeared like they had run out of spray paint midway through and a moment later Aghehowa might have made it two.

Brief Resistance

But then in part it's the uncertainty, even the unfairness, that makes football great. And the first time Bulgaria got into Spain's territory they could have equalized, Kiril Despodov suddenly sprinting away and striking the side-netting.

Brought on for Aghehowa at the half-time, Borja Iglesias had three chances in as many minutes before Merino scored once more. The cross from the left flank was excellent from Álex Grimaldo and there, leaping above everyone, was Merino to power the header downward and dash off to do laps around the flagpost.

Closing Stages

As they had after the opener, Bulgaria escaped once more, Despodov played through and sending his and their following shot wide and nevertheless the first time the visitors had a shot on target it was at the incorrect goal, Atanas Chernev turning into his own net. Yet it was not completely finished, Merino kicked in the shins and stepping aside to let Oyarzabal smash in the ninety-ninth goal of De la Fuente's ongoing tenure.