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Everything commenced in Scotland and this impressive streak persists. That memorable night at Hampden represented merely Luis de la Fuente's second outing as Spain's head coach; numerous observers thought it might prove to be his last assignment. Although a pair of Scott McTominay goals overcoming La Furia Roja, whereas almost all spectators anticipated his spell would be short-lived, De la Fuente talked about a route opening - and remarkably, the manager previously criticized of living in Disneyland turned out correct.

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

Pedri's Influence and Decisive Contribution

On a night when the Barcelona midfielder featured and Mikel Merino created the difference, Spain overcame Bulgaria 4-0 to accumulate 12 points from 12 in qualifying, nearing advancement. The Arsenal midfielder and sometime striker scored the first two goals and could have earned his second consecutive hat-trick in three recent Spain appearances but after brought down in the closing minute, he generously handed the spot-kick to Mikel Oyarzabal instead.

Thus it was La Real striker, goal-getter of the decisive goal in the European Championship showpiece, who continued the remarkable sequence, equaling what Vicente del Bosque's golden generation achieved between 2010 and 2013.

Historic Achievement

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

Victory in Georgia in thirty days and the record will be exclusively theirs. En route they won the Nations League in 2023, the European Championships in 2024 and reached a Nations League final in 2025; they head toward 2026 sitting number one, among the frontrunners once more, just like old times.

Total Control

The match represented "only" against Bulgaria, admittedly, just as previous matches against Georgia, Bulgaria, and Turkey but that's four victories from four, aggregate score 15-0. Occurred two instances immediately after the Spanish team scored their first two goals – the third strike being an self-inflicted – but eventually their rivals had not been permitted a single shot on target.

Overall statistics showed: 33-3, Spain demonstrably being Spain. Bulgaria's coach had confessed the sole objective his team could have was to resist as long as possible. Ultimately, that defensive effort lasted 33 minutes, and Merino's header represented Spain's eighteenth attempt on target by that point.

Midfield Brilliance

The display was about the entire team, but at the core of it was Pedri, ubiquitous and elusive at once: present for Spain, nowhere for Bulgaria, incapable to detect him as he darted through their defense. He executed 101 passes by the time he was withdrawn to a standing ovation on 66 minutes, and his were the instances of utmost subtlety, the most exquisite touches and the most incisive too.

When the José Zorrilla chanted his name during the first half, he had just slipped unmarked into the penalty box once more, chipping his shot over Svetoslav Vutsov and onto the woodwork, but it was not only that. He had already floated a gorgeous pass into Álex Baena to volley wide and delivered another back from which Baena was blocked.

Continued Pressure

An cleverly weighted delivery had set Samu Aghehowa up for what should have been the opener, and a precise lay-off saw Oyarzabal scuff his shot. He received a chance of his own only to be unable to find a clean connection, volleying wide.

But then, shortly after, he floated an additional ball in. This time Robin Le Normand headed across and Merino directed in. Spain, who had eighty-eight percent of the possession, now had the lead. The positioning chart appeared like they had run out of spray paint half way through and a moment later Aghehowa could have made it two.

Brief Resistance

But then in part it's the unpredictability, even the injustice, that makes football great. And the first time Bulgaria advanced into Spain's half they could have leveled the score, Kiril Despodov abruptly sprinting away and striking the side-netting.

Brought on for Aghehowa at the break, Borja Iglesias had multiple chances in as many minutes before Merino did it once more. The delivery from the left flank was excellent from Álex Grimaldo and there, leaping above everyone, was Merino to power the header downward and sprint to do laps around the corner flag.

Final Moments

Similar to their reaction after the opener, Bulgaria survived again, 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 turning into his team's goal. Yet it was not quite finished, Merino fouled in the shins and allowing to let Oyarzabal smash in the ninety-ninth goal of De la Fuente's continuing tenure.