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It all began in Scotland and this impressive streak persists. That fateful night at Hampden represented only Luis de la Fuente's second outing as Spain's head coach; numerous observers thought it could prove to be his last assignment. Despite two Scott McTominay goals defeating the Spanish national team, while virtually everyone anticipated his spell would be short-lived, De la Fuente spoke about a pathway emerging - and remarkably, the manager previously criticized of being unrealistic turned out correct.

36 months and later, Spain advanced to within touching distance of World Cup qualification, and also racking up their 29th consecutive competitive game without defeat, matching the historic record.

Pedri's Influence and Merino's Impact

During an evening when the Barcelona midfielder featured and Mikel Merino created the difference, Spain defeated Bulgaria four-nil to secure a perfect dozen from 12 in qualifying, edging closer. The Gunners' midfielder and occasional forward scored the opening two goals and could have earned his second consecutive hat-trick in three Spain matches but after brought down in the closing minute, he generously handed the penalty to Mikel Oyarzabal instead.

Thus it was La Real striker, goal-getter of the decisive goal in the Euro 2024 final, who maintained the impressive sequence, equaling what Vicente del Bosque's golden generation achieved between 2010 and 2013.

Record Equaled

Now, you might have observed the asterisk, and correctly 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 continental tournament decider back in June. Yet officially at least, this current team has matched that legendary team against which all Spanish sides are measured.

Victory in Georgia in a month and the record will be exclusively theirs. En route they captured 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 favorites once more, just like previous eras.

Complete Domination

The match represented "only" versus Bulgaria, admittedly, just as previous encounters against Georgia, Bulgaria, and Turkey but that's four victories from four outings, aggregate score 15-0. There were two instances immediately after the Spanish team scored their opening goals – the third being an self-inflicted – but ultimately their rivals had not been permitted a solitary shot on target.

Overall statistics showed: thirty-three to three, Spain demonstrably being Spain. Bulgaria's coach had admitted the sole objective his team could have was to hold out as long as they could. Ultimately, that resistance lasted 33 minutes, and Merino's header represented Spain's 18th attempt on target already.

Pedri's Masterclass

The display was about all of them, but at the core of it was Pedri, everywhere and elusive at once: present for Spain, nowhere for Bulgaria, unable to track him as he darted through their lines. He completed 101 passes by the time he was substituted to a rapturous applause on 66 minutes, and his were the moments of greatest subtlety, the most exquisite touches and the most incisive as well.

When the Valladolid stadium sang his name during the first half, he had just drifted unmarked into the penalty box once more, chipping his shot over Svetoslav Vutsov and onto the woodwork, but it was not just that. He had already floated a magnificent pass into Álex Baena to strike wide and delivered an additional pass from which Baena was blocked.

Sustained Attack

A disguised delivery had created opportunity for Samu Aghehowa up for what ought to have been the first goal, and a precise lay-off saw Oyarzabal mishit his shot. He got a chance of his own only to fail to find a clean connection, striking wide.

But then, shortly after, he delivered an additional ball in. This time Robin Le Normand nodded across and Merino headed in. Spain, who had eighty-eight percent of the possession, now had the advantage. The heat map looked like they had exhausted supply of marking paint half way through and a little later Aghehowa could have made it two.

Momentary Threat

But then in part it's the uncertainty, even the injustice, that makes football special. And the first time Bulgaria advanced into Spain's half they might have equalized, Kiril Despodov suddenly breaking away and hitting the outside of the net.

Introduced for Aghehowa at the break, Borja Iglesias had multiple chances in as many minutes before Merino did it again. The delivery from the left was superb from Álex Grimaldo and there, leaping above all defenders, was Merino to power the header down and sprint to celebrate round the corner flag.

Final Moments

Similar to their reaction after the opener, Bulgaria survived again, Despodov played through and sending 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 deflecting into his own net. Yet it was not completely finished, Merino fouled in the legs and allowing to let Oyarzabal blast in the ninety-ninth goal of De la Fuente's continuing tenure.