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It all began in Scotland and this impressive streak persists. That memorable evening at Hampden represented only Luis de la Fuente's second as Spain's head coach; many believed it might prove to be his last assignment. Although a pair of Scott McTominay goals overcoming the Spanish national team, whereas almost all spectators expected his spell would be brief, De la Fuente talked about a pathway opening - and remarkably, the manager once accused of living in Disneyland proved correct.

Three years and later, Spain advanced to within touching distance of World Cup participation, and also achieving their 29th straight competitive game without defeat, matching the legendary record.

Midfield Masterclass and Merino's Impact

During an evening when Pedri featured and Mikel Merino made the difference, Spain overcame Bulgaria four-nil to accumulate a perfect dozen from 12 in qualifying, nearing advancement. The Gunners' midfielder and occasional striker scored the first two goals and could have earned his second three-goal haul in three recent Spain matches but after brought down in the final minute, he generously handed the spot-kick to Mikel Oyarzabal instead.

Thus it was the Real Sociedad striker, goal-getter of the decisive goal in the Euro 2024 final, who maintained the impressive sequence, matching what Vicente del Bosque's legendary squad accomplished between 2010 and 2013.

Record Equaled

Currently, you might have noticed the symbol, and correctly so. While FIFA might not count it as a defeat, during this impressive run Spain actually suffer defeat once – 7-5 on penalties to Portugal in the continental tournament decider back in June. However officially at least, this present team has matched that legendary team against which all Spanish sides are measured.

Victory in Georgia in thirty days and the record will be theirs alone. En route they won the Nations League in 2023, the European Championships in 2024 and reached a Nations League final in 2025; they head toward 2026 sitting No. 1, among the frontrunners once more, reminiscent of old times.

Total Control

This was "only" against Bulgaria, admittedly, similar to previous matches against Georgia, Bulgaria, and Turkey but that's four wins from four, aggregate 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 opponents had not been allowed a single shot on target.

Overall statistics read: thirty-three to three, Spain clearly being Spain. Bulgaria's coach had admitted the only 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 constituted Spain's 18th attempt on target by that point.

Midfield Brilliance

This performance was about the entire team, but at the heart of it was Pedri, ubiquitous and elusive simultaneously: everywhere for Spain, absent for Bulgaria, unable to detect him as he flitted through their defense. He completed 101 passes by the time he was withdrawn to a rapturous applause on 66 minutes, and his were the instances of utmost subtlety, the most exquisite touches and the sharpest as well.

When the José Zorrilla chanted his name during the first half, he had just drifted unmarked into the area once more, chipping his shot over Svetoslav Vutsov and onto the woodwork, but it was not only that. He had previously lifted a gorgeous pass into Álex Baena to strike wide and pulled an additional pass from which Baena was blocked.

Continued Pressure

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

But then, almost immediately after, he floated another ball in. This time Robin Le Normand headed across and Merino directed in. Spain, who had 88% of the possession, now had the advantage. The heat map appeared like they had run out of marking paint midway through and a little later Aghehowa might have made it two.

Brief Resistance

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

Introduced for Aghehowa at the half-time, Borja Iglesias had three chances in as many minutes before Merino did it once more. The cross from the left flank was superb from Álex Grimaldo and there, leaping above all defenders, was Merino to direct the header down and sprint to celebrate 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 initial instance the away team had a shot on target it was at the wrong end, Atanas Chernev turning into his team's goal. Yet it was not completely finished, Merino fouled in the shins and allowing to let Oyarzabal smash in the 99th goal of De la Fuente's ongoing reign.