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Everything started in Scotland and the momentum persists. That fateful evening at Hampden marked only Luis de la Fuente's second outing as Spain's manager; many believed it might turn out to be his last assignment. Despite two Scott McTominay goals overcoming La Furia Roja, whereas almost all spectators expected his tenure would be brief, De la Fuente spoke about a pathway emerging - and interestingly, the man previously criticized of being unrealistic proved right.

Three years and four days, Spain moved extremely close of World Cup qualification, while simultaneously achieving their twenty-ninth consecutive official game without defeat, equaling the legendary record.

Midfield Masterclass and Decisive Contribution

On a night when the Barcelona midfielder featured and Mikel Merino made the difference, Spain defeated Bulgaria 4-0 to accumulate a perfect dozen from 12 in World Cup qualification, edging closer. The Arsenal midfielder and occasional forward netted the first two goals and might have secured his second three-goal haul in three Spain appearances but after fouled in the final minute, he selflessly passed the spot-kick to Mikel Oyarzabal instead.

Thus it was La Real attacker, goal-getter of the decisive goal in the European Championship final, who continued the impressive sequence, equaling what Vicente del Bosque's legendary squad achieved between 2010 and 2013.

Historic Achievement

Now, you might have observed the asterisk, and correctly so. Although FIFA may not classify it as a loss, during this remarkable run Spain actually lose once – seven-five on penalties to Portugal in the Nations League decider back in June. Yet formally at least, this current team has equaled that legendary squad against which all Spanish national teams are measured.

Victory in Georgia in a month and the achievement will be exclusively theirs. Along the way they won the Nations League in 2023, the European Championships in 2024 and advanced to a Nations League final in 2025; they head toward 2026 ranked number one, among the frontrunners once more, reminiscent of previous eras.

Total Control

This was "only" against Bulgaria, admittedly, similar to previous matches against Georgia, Bulgaria, and Turkey but that's four victories from four outings, aggregate score 15-0. There were two moments immediately after La Selección scored their first two goals – the third being an own goal – but ultimately their rivals had not been permitted a solitary shot on target.

Overall statistics read: 33-3, Spain clearly playing as Spain. Bulgaria's coach had admitted the sole objective his team could have was to hold out as long as possible. Ultimately, that resistance lasted 33 minutes, and Merino's header represented Spain's eighteenth attempt on target by that point.

Pedri's Masterclass

The display was about the entire team, but at the heart of it was Pedri, everywhere and nowhere simultaneously: present for Spain, nowhere for Bulgaria, incapable to track him as he flitted 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 moments of greatest subtlety, the most exquisite touches and the most incisive as well.

When the Valladolid stadium chanted his name during the opening period, he had just slipped unmarked into the area again, dinking his shot over Svetoslav Vutsov and onto the woodwork, but it was not only that. He had previously floated a magnificent pass into Álex Baena to volley wide and delivered another pass from which Baena was denied.

Continued Pressure

An cleverly weighted pass had set Samu Aghehowa up for what should have been the first goal, and a precise lay-off saw Oyarzabal mishit his attempt. He got a opportunity of his own only to fail to find a proper contact, striking wide.

But then, shortly after, he floated another ball in. This time Robin Le Normand nodded across and Merino directed in. Spain, who had eighty-eight percent of the ball, now had the advantage. The heat map looked 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 uncertainty, even the injustice, that makes football special. And the initial occasion Bulgaria advanced into Spain's territory they could have leveled the score, Kiril Despodov abruptly sprinting away and hitting the outside of the net.

Introduced for Aghehowa at the break, Borja Iglesias had three chances in as many minutes before Merino did it again. The delivery from the left flank was excellent from Álex Grimaldo and there, jumping above everyone, was Merino to direct the header down and sprint to celebrate round the corner flag.

Final Moments

As they had after the opener, Bulgaria survived once more, Despodov played through and putting his and their following 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 own net. Still it was not quite finished, Merino fouled in the legs and stepping aside to let Oyarzabal smash in the 99th goal of De la Fuente's continuing reign.