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It all began in Scottish soil and this impressive streak remains unbroken. That memorable night at Hampden represented merely Luis de la Fuente's second as Spain's manager; numerous observers thought it could prove to be his last assignment. Although two Scott McTominay goals overcoming La Furia Roja, whereas almost all spectators expected his tenure would be short-lived, De la Fuente talked about a route opening - and interestingly, the man once accused of being unrealistic proved correct.

Three years and four days, Spain moved to within touching distance of global football participation, while simultaneously racking up their 29th straight official game without defeat, matching the historic record.

Pedri's Influence and Decisive Contribution

On a night when the Barcelona midfielder featured and Mikel Merino made the difference, Spain defeated Bulgaria 4-0 to accumulate a perfect dozen from twelve in qualifying, nearing advancement. The Arsenal midfielder and sometime striker netted the first two goals and might have earned his second consecutive hat-trick in three recent Spain matches but when brought down in the closing minute, he generously handed the spot-kick to Mikel Oyarzabal instead.

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

Record Equaled

Currently, readers may have observed the symbol, and correctly so. Although FIFA might not count it as a defeat, during this remarkable run Spain did suffer defeat once – 7-5 on penalties to Portugal in the Nations League decider back in June. Yet formally at least, this present team has equaled that legendary squad against which all Spanish sides are compared.

Win in Georgia in a month and the achievement will be theirs alone. Along the way they won the Nations League in 2023, the European Championships in 2024 and reached a Nations League final in 2025; they approach 2026 ranked number one, among the favorites once more, reminiscent of previous eras.

Complete Domination

The match represented "only" against Bulgaria, it is true, similar to previous matches against Georgia, Bulgaria, and Turkey but that's four victories from four outings, combined score fifteen-zero. Occurred two instances immediately after La Selección scored their opening goals – the third being an own goal – but ultimately their rivals had not been permitted a single shot on target.

Overall statistics showed: thirty-three to three, Spain demonstrably playing as Spain. Bulgaria's coach had confessed the only objective his team could have was to hold out as long as possible. As it turned out, that defensive effort lasted thirty-three minutes, and Merino's header constituted Spain's eighteenth attempt on target already.

Pedri's Masterclass

This performance was about the entire team, but at the heart of it was Pedri, everywhere and nowhere simultaneously: present for Spain, nowhere for Bulgaria, incapable to track him as he darted through their lines. He executed 101 passes by the time he was substituted to a standing ovation 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 opening period, he had just drifted unnoticed into the penalty box again, dinking his shot over Svetoslav Vutsov and onto the crossbar, but it was not only that. He had already floated a gorgeous pass into Álex Baena to strike wide and pulled an additional pass from which Baena was denied.

Sustained Attack

A disguised pass had set Samu Aghehowa up for what should have been the opener, and a precise lay-off saw Oyarzabal mishit his shot. He received a chance of his own only to be unable to find a clean contact, striking wide.

But then, almost immediately after, he delivered 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 positioning chart appeared like they had run out of spray paint midway through and a little later Aghehowa might 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 half they might have leveled the score, Kiril Despodov abruptly breaking away and striking the outside of the net.

Brought on for Aghehowa at the break, 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 everyone, was Merino to direct the header downward and dash off to celebrate round the flagpost.

Closing Stages

Similar to their reaction after the first goal, Bulgaria survived once more, Despodov played through and putting his and their second shot wide and yet the first time the away team had a shot on target it was at the incorrect goal, Atanas Chernev deflecting 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 continuing reign.