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Everything started in Scotland and the momentum remains unbroken. That fateful evening at Hampden represented only Luis de la Fuente's second outing as Spain's manager; many believed it might turn out to be his final assignment. Despite two Scott McTominay goals overcoming La Furia Roja, whereas virtually everyone anticipated his tenure would be short-lived, the coach spoke about a pathway opening - and remarkably, the manager previously criticized of being unrealistic turned out correct.

36 months and four days, Spain advanced extremely close of World Cup qualification, while simultaneously racking up their twenty-ninth consecutive competitive game without defeat, equaling the legendary record.

Pedri's Influence and Merino's Impact

On a night when the Barcelona midfielder featured and Mikel Merino created the decisive impact, Spain defeated Bulgaria 4-0 to secure a perfect dozen from 12 in World Cup qualification, edging closer. The Gunners' midfielder and occasional forward scored the first two goals and could have secured his second three-goal haul in three recent Spain matches but when fouled in the closing minute, he generously handed the penalty to Mikel Oyarzabal instead.

Therefore it was the Real Sociedad striker, goal-getter of the winning goal in the European Championship final, who continued the impressive sequence, matching what Vicente del Bosque's legendary squad accomplished between 2010 and 2013.

Record Equaled

Currently, you might have observed the asterisk, and rightly so. While FIFA might not count it as a defeat, during this impressive run Spain did suffer defeat once – seven-five on penalties to Portugal in the Nations League final back in June. However officially at least, this present team has equaled that legendary team against which all Spanish national teams 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 reached a Nations League final in 2025; they head toward 2026 ranked No. 1, among the favorites once more, reminiscent of old times.

Complete Domination

This was "only" against Bulgaria, it is true, just as previous matches against Georgia, Bulgaria, and Turkey but that's four victories from four, combined score 15-0. Occurred two moments immediately after the Spanish team obtained their first two goals – the third being an own goal – but eventually their rivals had not been allowed a solitary shot on target.

The total count read: 33-3, Spain demonstrably playing as Spain. Bulgaria's coach had admitted the only objective his team could have was to resist as long as possible. Ultimately, that resistance lasted thirty-three minutes, and Merino's header constituted Spain's 18th attempt on target already.

Pedri's Masterclass

The display was about the entire team, but at the core of it was Pedri, everywhere and elusive simultaneously: present for Spain, nowhere for Bulgaria, unable to track him as he darted through their defense. He executed 101 passes by the time he was substituted to a standing ovation on the sixty-sixth minute, and his were the instances of greatest subtlety, the most exquisite touches and the most incisive too.

When the Valladolid stadium chanted his name midway the first half, he had just slipped unnoticed into the area again, dinking his shot over Svetoslav Vutsov and onto the woodwork, but it was not just that. He had previously lifted a magnificent pass into Álex Baena to volley wide and pulled another pass from which Baena was denied.

Sustained Attack

A disguised delivery had set Samu Aghehowa up for what should have been the first goal, and a neat pass saw Oyarzabal scuff his attempt. He received a opportunity of his own only to fail to find a proper connection, striking wide.

But then, almost immediately 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, now had the lead. The heat map appeared like they had exhausted supply of marking paint midway through and a moment later Aghehowa might have made it two.

Brief Resistance

But then in part it's the unpredictability, even the injustice, that makes football special. And the first time Bulgaria advanced into Spain's territory they might have leveled the score, Kiril Despodov abruptly sprinting away and striking the outside of the net.

Brought on for Aghehowa at the break, Borja Iglesias had multiple opportunities in as many minutes before Merino scored once more. The cross from the left was excellent from Álex Grimaldo and there, jumping above all defenders, was Merino to direct the header down and sprint to do laps round the flagpost.

Closing Stages

Similar to their reaction after the opener, Bulgaria escaped once more, Despodov played through and putting his and their following shot wide and yet the initial instance the away team had a shot on target it was at the incorrect goal, Atanas Chernev turning into his own net. Yet it was not quite done, Merino kicked in the legs and allowing to let Oyarzabal blast in the ninety-ninth goal of De la Fuente's ongoing tenure.