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Everything started in Scotland and the momentum remains unbroken. That memorable night at Hampden marked merely Luis de la Fuente's second as Spain's manager; many believed it might turn out to be his last match in charge. Although two Scott McTominay goals defeating La Furia Roja, whereas almost all spectators expected his spell would be brief, De la Fuente talked about a pathway opening - and remarkably, the manager previously criticized of being unrealistic proved right.

Three years and later, Spain moved to within touching distance of World Cup participation, while simultaneously racking up their 29th straight competitive game unbeaten, equaling the legendary record.

Pedri's Influence and Decisive Contribution

On a night when the Barcelona midfielder featured and Mikel Merino created the difference, Spain overcame Bulgaria 4-0 to secure a perfect dozen from 12 in qualifying, edging closer. The Arsenal midfielder and occasional forward scored the first two goals and might have secured his second consecutive hat-trick in three Spain appearances but after brought down in the closing minute, he generously handed the spot-kick to Mikel Oyarzabal instead.

Therefore it was La Real attacker, goal-getter of the winning goal in the European Championship final, who maintained the impressive sequence, equaling what Vicente del Bosque's golden generation accomplished between 2010 and 2013.

Historic Achievement

Now, readers may have observed the symbol, and rightly so. While FIFA may not classify it as a loss, during this impressive run Spain did suffer defeat once – 7-5 on penalties to Portugal in the Nations League decider back in June. However formally at least, this current team has matched that legendary squad against which all Spanish sides are measured.

Victory in Georgia in thirty days and the record 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 frontrunners once more, reminiscent of old times.

Total Control

This was "only" against Bulgaria, it is true, just as previous matches against Georgia, Bulgaria, and Turkey but that's four victories from four, aggregate score fifteen-zero. There were two moments immediately after La Selección obtained their opening goals – the third strike being an own goal – but eventually their opponents had not been allowed a solitary shot on target.

Overall statistics showed: 33-3, Spain demonstrably being Spain. Bulgaria's coach had confessed the sole objective his team could have was to hold out as long as possible. As it turned out, that resistance lasted 33 minutes, and Merino's header constituted Spain's eighteenth attempt on target by that point.

Pedri's Masterclass

The display was about the entire team, but at the core of it was Pedri, ubiquitous and nowhere at once: present for Spain, absent for Bulgaria, incapable to track him as he flitted through their lines. He executed 101 passes by the time he was withdrawn to a rapturous applause on 66 minutes, and his were the moments of utmost subtlety, the most exquisite touches and the sharpest too.

When the José Zorrilla chanted his name during the first half, he had just drifted unmarked into the penalty box once more, 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 back from which Baena was blocked.

Sustained Attack

An cleverly weighted pass had created opportunity for Samu Aghehowa up for what should have been the first goal, and a neat pass saw Oyarzabal scuff his shot. He received a chance 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 eighty-eight percent of the possession, then had the lead. The positioning chart appeared like they had run out of marking paint half way through and a little later Aghehowa might have made it two-nil.

Brief Resistance

But then in part it's the uncertainty, even the injustice, that makes football great. And the initial occasion Bulgaria advanced into Spain's territory they could have equalized, Kiril Despodov abruptly sprinting away and hitting the outside of the net.

Brought on for Aghehowa at the half-time, Borja Iglesias had multiple 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 all defenders, was Merino to direct the header down and sprint to do laps around the corner flag.

Final Moments

As they had after the first goal, Bulgaria escaped again, Despodov played through and sending his and their second 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 quite done, Merino kicked in the shins and stepping aside to let Oyarzabal blast in the 99th goal of De la Fuente's ongoing tenure.