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Everything commenced in Scotland and the momentum persists. That memorable evening at Hampden represented only Luis de la Fuente's second as Spain's manager; numerous observers thought it might prove to be his final match in charge. Although a pair of Scott McTominay goals defeating the Spanish national team, whereas almost all spectators expected his tenure would be short-lived, De la Fuente spoke about a route emerging - and interestingly, the manager previously criticized of living in Disneyland turned out correct.

36 months and later, Spain advanced extremely close of global football qualification, and also achieving their twenty-ninth straight official game without defeat, equaling the historic record.

Midfield Masterclass and Merino's Impact

On a night when the Barcelona midfielder played and Mikel Merino created the difference, Spain defeated Bulgaria 4-0 to secure 12 points from twelve in qualifying, edging closer. The Arsenal playmaker and sometime striker netted the opening two goals and could have secured his second three-goal haul in three recent Spain matches but after brought down in the final minute, he generously handed the spot-kick to Mikel Oyarzabal instead.

Therefore it was La Real attacker, scorer of the winning goal in the Euro 2024 showpiece, who continued the impressive sequence, matching what Vicente del Bosque's golden generation accomplished between 2010 and 2013.

Record Equaled

Now, you might have observed the asterisk, and rightly so. Although FIFA may not count it as a loss, during this impressive run Spain did suffer defeat once – 7-5 on penalties to Portugal in the Nations League final back in June. Yet formally at least, this current team has equaled that legendary squad against which all Spanish sides are measured.

Win in Georgia in a month and the record will be theirs alone. En route they won the Nations League in 2023, the European Championships in 2024 and advanced to a Nations League final in 2025; they approach 2026 ranked No. 1, among the frontrunners once more, reminiscent of old times.

Total Control

This was "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 obtained their opening goals – the third strike being an own goal – but eventually their opponents had not been permitted a solitary shot on target.

The total statistics showed: thirty-three to three, Spain demonstrably being Spain. Bulgaria's coach had admitted the only objective his team could have was to resist as long as they could. Ultimately, that defensive effort lasted thirty-three minutes, and Merino's header represented 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 completed one hundred and one passes by the time he was withdrawn to a standing ovation on 66 minutes, and his were the instances of greatest subtlety, the finest touches and the sharpest too.

When the Valladolid stadium chanted his name during the first half, he had just slipped unmarked into the area once more, dinking his shot over Svetoslav Vutsov and onto the crossbar, but it was not just that. He had already lifted a gorgeous pass into Álex Baena to strike wide and pulled another pass from which Baena was blocked.

Continued Pressure

A disguised pass had set Samu Aghehowa up for what should have been the first goal, and a neat lay-off saw Oyarzabal mishit his shot. He received a chance of his own only to be unable to find a proper connection, volleying wide.

But then, almost immediately after, he delivered an additional ball in. This time Robin Le Normand headed across and Merino headed in. Spain, who had 88% of the ball, now had the lead. The positioning chart appeared like they had exhausted supply of marking paint midway through and a little later Aghehowa might have made it two.

Momentary Threat

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

Brought on for Aghehowa at the half-time, Borja Iglesias had three chances in as many minutes before Merino did it again. The cross from the left flank was superb from Álex Grimaldo and there, jumping above everyone, was Merino to direct the header down and dash off to do laps round the corner flag.

Closing Stages

As they had after the first goal, Bulgaria escaped again, Despodov sent through and sending his and their second shot wide and nevertheless the first time the away team had a shot on target it was at the wrong end, Atanas Chernev turning into his team's goal. Still it was not quite finished, Merino kicked in the shins and stepping aside to let Oyarzabal blast in the ninety-ninth goal of De la Fuente's ongoing tenure.