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It all commenced in Scottish soil and the momentum continues. That memorable evening at Hampden represented only Luis de la Fuente's second outing as Spain's manager; many believed it could turn out to be his final match in charge. Although two Scott McTominay goals defeating the Spanish national team, whereas almost all spectators expected his spell would be brief, De la Fuente spoke about a route opening - and interestingly, the man once accused of living in Disneyland turned out correct.

36 months and four days, Spain moved to within touching distance of World Cup participation, while simultaneously racking up their 29th straight official game without defeat, matching the historic record.

Pedri's Influence and Merino's Impact

On a night when the Barcelona midfielder played and Mikel Merino created the decisive impact, Spain defeated Bulgaria four-nil to accumulate a perfect dozen from 12 in qualifying, edging closer. The Arsenal midfielder and sometime striker scored the opening two goals and might have secured his second consecutive hat-trick in three recent Spain matches but after fouled in the final minute, he generously handed the spot-kick to Mikel Oyarzabal instead.

Thus it was the Real Sociedad striker, scorer of the decisive goal in the Euro 2024 showpiece, who maintained the impressive sequence, matching what Vicente del Bosque's golden generation accomplished between 2010 and 2013.

Record Equaled

Currently, readers may have noticed the asterisk, and rightly so. While FIFA may not classify it as a defeat, during this remarkable run Spain did lose once – 7-5 on penalties to Portugal in the Nations League final back in June. However officially at least, this present team has matched that historic team against which all Spanish sides are measured.

Victory in Georgia in a month and the achievement will be exclusively theirs. 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 approach 2026 sitting No. 1, among the frontrunners once more, reminiscent of old times.

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 15-0. Occurred two moments immediately after the Spanish team scored their first two goals – the third strike being an own goal – but eventually their rivals had not been allowed a solitary shot on target.

The total count read: thirty-three to three, Spain demonstrably playing as 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 33 minutes, and Merino's header constituted Spain's 18th 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, absent for Bulgaria, incapable to detect him as he darted through their lines. He executed one hundred and one passes by the time he was substituted to a rapturous applause on the sixty-sixth minute, and his were the moments of greatest subtlety, the most exquisite touches and the sharpest as well.

When the José Zorrilla chanted his name during the first half, he had just slipped unnoticed into the penalty box again, chipping his shot over Svetoslav Vutsov and onto the crossbar, but it was not only that. He had previously floated a gorgeous pass into Álex Baena to volley wide and pulled another pass from which Baena was blocked.

Sustained Attack

A disguised delivery had created opportunity for Samu Aghehowa up for what should have been the opener, and a neat pass saw Oyarzabal mishit his attempt. He got a chance of his own only to be unable to find a clean connection, striking wide.

But then, shortly after, he delivered another ball in. This time Robin Le Normand headed across and Merino headed in. Spain, who had eighty-eight percent of the possession, now had the lead. The positioning chart appeared like they had run out of marking paint midway through and a little later Aghehowa could have made it two-nil.

Momentary Threat

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

Introduced for Aghehowa at the break, Borja Iglesias had three opportunities in as many minutes before Merino did it once more. The cross from the left flank was excellent from Álex Grimaldo and there, jumping above everyone, was Merino to direct the header down and sprint to celebrate around the flagpost.

Closing Stages

Similar to their reaction after the first goal, Bulgaria escaped once more, Despodov sent through and putting his and their second 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 shins and stepping aside to let Oyarzabal blast in the 99th goal of De la Fuente's ongoing reign.