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Everything commenced in Scotland and the momentum persists. That fateful evening at Hampden represented merely Luis de la Fuente's second outing as Spain's manager; many believed it might turn out to be his last assignment. Although a pair of Scott McTominay goals defeating La Furia Roja, whereas virtually everyone expected his tenure would be brief, De la Fuente talked about a pathway emerging - and remarkably, the man once accused of living in Disneyland proved right.

36 months and later, Spain advanced to within touching distance of World Cup participation, while simultaneously racking up their twenty-ninth straight competitive game unbeaten, equaling the historic record.

Pedri's Influence and Merino's Impact

On a night when Pedri played and Mikel Merino made the decisive impact, Spain defeated Bulgaria four-nil to secure a perfect dozen from 12 in World Cup qualification, edging closer. The Arsenal midfielder and occasional forward netted the opening two goals and might have earned his second three-goal haul in three recent Spain matches but when brought down in the closing minute, he selflessly passed the penalty to Mikel Oyarzabal instead.

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

Record Equaled

Currently, you might have observed the asterisk, and correctly so. While FIFA may not classify it as a defeat, during this remarkable run Spain did suffer defeat once – 7-5 on penalties to Portugal in the continental tournament decider back in June. However officially at least, this present team has matched that legendary squad against which all Spanish sides are measured.

Victory in Georgia in thirty days and the record 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 sitting No. 1, 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 wins from four, aggregate score fifteen-zero. Occurred two instances immediately after the Spanish team obtained their first two goals – the third being an own goal – but ultimately their opponents had not been permitted a single shot on target.

The total count read: thirty-three to three, Spain clearly being 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 defensive effort lasted thirty-three minutes, and Merino's header constituted Spain's 18th attempt on target already.

Pedri's Masterclass

The display was about all of them, but at the heart of it was Pedri, everywhere and elusive at once: everywhere for Spain, nowhere for Bulgaria, unable 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 finest touches and the most incisive as well.

When the José Zorrilla chanted his name during the first half, he had just slipped unmarked into the penalty box again, dinking his shot over Svetoslav Vutsov and onto the woodwork, but it was not only that. He had previously lifted a gorgeous pass into Álex Baena to strike wide and pulled another pass from which Baena was denied.

Continued Pressure

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 attempt. He received a chance of his own only to fail to find a proper connection, striking wide.

But then, shortly after, he delivered an additional ball in. This time Robin Le Normand nodded across and Merino directed in. Spain, who had 88% of the ball, then had the advantage. The positioning chart appeared like they had exhausted supply of marking paint half way through and a little later Aghehowa could have made it two-nil.

Brief Resistance

But then in part it's the uncertainty, even the unfairness, that makes football special. And the first time Bulgaria got into Spain's territory 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 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, jumping above everyone, was Merino to power the header downward and dash off to do laps around the flagpost.

Closing Stages

Similar to their reaction after the opener, Bulgaria escaped again, Despodov played through and putting his and their following shot wide and yet the first time 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 done, Merino kicked in the legs and stepping aside to let Oyarzabal smash in the ninety-ninth goal of De la Fuente's continuing tenure.