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Everything started in Scottish soil and the momentum persists. That fateful evening at Hampden represented merely Luis de la Fuente's second outing as Spain's head coach; many believed it could prove to be his final assignment. Despite two Scott McTominay goals defeating La Furia Roja, whereas almost all spectators anticipated his spell would be short-lived, De la Fuente spoke about a route opening - and remarkably, the manager previously criticized of being unrealistic proved right.

Three years and later, Spain moved extremely close of global football participation, and also racking up their 29th straight competitive game unbeaten, equaling the historic record.

Midfield Masterclass and Decisive Contribution

On a night when the Barcelona midfielder played and Mikel Merino created the decisive impact, Spain overcame Bulgaria 4-0 to secure a perfect dozen from twelve in qualifying, nearing advancement. The Arsenal midfielder and sometime forward netted the opening two goals and might have earned his second consecutive three-goal haul in three recent Spain matches but when fouled in the final minute, he selflessly passed the penalty to Mikel Oyarzabal instead.

Therefore it was the Real Sociedad striker, goal-getter of the winning goal in the European Championship showpiece, who maintained the remarkable sequence, equaling what Vicente del Bosque's legendary squad achieved between 2010 and 2013.

Historic Achievement

Currently, readers may have noticed the asterisk, and rightly so. Although FIFA might not classify it as a loss, during this remarkable run Spain did suffer defeat once – 7-5 on penalties to Portugal in the Nations League final back in June. However officially at least, this present team has matched that historic squad against which all Spanish sides are compared.

Victory in Georgia in a month and the achievement will be theirs alone. En route 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 ranked No. 1, among the frontrunners once more, reminiscent of previous eras.

Total Control

This was "only" versus Bulgaria, admittedly, similar to previous matches against Georgia, Bulgaria, and Turkey but that's four wins from four outings, aggregate score fifteen-zero. There were two instances immediately after the Spanish team obtained their first two goals – the third strike being an self-inflicted – but eventually their opponents had not been permitted a solitary shot on target.

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

Midfield Brilliance

The display was about the entire team, but at the heart of it was Pedri, everywhere and elusive simultaneously: everywhere for Spain, absent 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 66 minutes, and his were the moments of utmost subtlety, the finest touches and the sharpest as well.

When the José Zorrilla sang his name during the first half, he had just slipped unmarked into the area once more, chipping his shot over Svetoslav Vutsov and onto the crossbar, but it was not only that. He had already lifted a gorgeous pass into Álex Baena to strike wide and pulled an additional back from which Baena was denied.

Continued Pressure

An cleverly weighted delivery had set Samu Aghehowa up for what should have been the first goal, and a neat pass saw Oyarzabal scuff his attempt. He got a chance of his own only to fail to find a proper contact, volleying wide.

But then, shortly after, he delivered another 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 lead. The heat map appeared like they had exhausted supply of spray paint midway through and a moment later Aghehowa could have made it two-nil.

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 half they could have leveled the score, Kiril Despodov suddenly breaking away and hitting the outside of the net.

Brought on for Aghehowa at the break, Borja Iglesias had three opportunities in as many minutes before Merino did it again. The cross from the left was superb from Álex Grimaldo and there, jumping above everyone, was Merino to power the header down and sprint to celebrate around the corner flag.

Final Moments

As they had after the first goal, Bulgaria escaped once more, Despodov played through and sending his and their following shot wide and yet the initial instance the visitors had a shot on target it was at the incorrect goal, Atanas Chernev turning into his team's goal. Yet it was not completely finished, Merino kicked in the legs and stepping aside to let Oyarzabal blast in the 99th goal of De la Fuente's continuing reign.