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It all commenced in Scotland and this impressive streak persists. That fateful night at Hampden marked merely Luis de la Fuente's second outing as Spain's manager; many believed it could turn out to be his last match in charge. Although two Scott McTominay goals overcoming the Spanish national team, whereas almost all spectators expected his tenure would be short-lived, the coach spoke about a pathway emerging - and interestingly, the manager once accused of living in Disneyland proved correct.

Three years and later, Spain moved extremely close of World Cup qualification, while simultaneously achieving their twenty-ninth straight official game without defeat, equaling the historic record.

Midfield Masterclass and Merino's Impact

On a night when Pedri played and Mikel Merino made the decisive impact, Spain defeated Bulgaria four-nil to accumulate a perfect dozen from 12 in qualifying, nearing advancement. The Arsenal playmaker and sometime striker netted the first two goals and could have secured his second three-goal haul in three recent Spain appearances but when brought down in the closing minute, he selflessly passed the penalty to Mikel Oyarzabal instead.

Thus it was the Real Sociedad attacker, scorer of the decisive goal in the European Championship showpiece, who continued the impressive sequence, matching what Vicente del Bosque's legendary squad accomplished between 2010 and 2013.

Historic Achievement

Now, you might have noticed the asterisk, and rightly so. Although FIFA might not classify it as a loss, during this impressive run Spain did lose once – seven-five on penalties to Portugal in the continental tournament decider back in June. Yet officially at least, this present team has matched that historic squad against which all Spanish sides are measured.

Win in Georgia in a month and the record 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 approach 2026 ranked number one, among the frontrunners once more, just like old times.

Complete Domination

The match represented "only" versus Bulgaria, it is true, just as previous encounters against Georgia, Bulgaria, and Turkey but that's four wins from four, aggregate score fifteen-zero. There were two moments immediately after La Selección scored their first two goals – the third strike being an self-inflicted – but ultimately their opponents had not been allowed a single shot on target.

The total statistics read: 33-3, Spain demonstrably playing as Spain. Bulgaria's coach had confessed the only objective his team could have was to resist as long as possible. Ultimately, that defensive effort lasted 33 minutes, and Merino's header constituted Spain's eighteenth attempt on target already.

Midfield Brilliance

The display was about all of them, but at the core of it was Pedri, ubiquitous and elusive at once: 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 substituted to a standing ovation on the sixty-sixth minute, and his were the moments of utmost subtlety, the most exquisite touches and the sharpest as well.

When the Valladolid stadium sang his name midway the opening period, he had just drifted unnoticed into the area again, dinking his shot over Svetoslav Vutsov and onto the woodwork, but it was not only that. He had already lifted a gorgeous pass into Álex Baena to volley wide and delivered another back from which Baena was denied.

Continued Pressure

A disguised pass had created opportunity for Samu Aghehowa up for what ought to have been the first goal, and a precise lay-off saw Oyarzabal scuff his attempt. He got a chance of his own only to be unable to find a proper connection, striking wide.

But then, shortly after, he delivered another ball in. This time Robin Le Normand headed across and Merino headed in. Spain, who had eighty-eight percent of the possession, then had the advantage. The positioning chart appeared like they had run out of marking paint midway through and a little later Aghehowa could have made it two-nil.

Momentary Threat

But then in part it's the uncertainty, even the injustice, that makes football special. And the first time Bulgaria got into Spain's territory they might have leveled the score, Kiril Despodov suddenly breaking away and striking the outside of the net.

Introduced for Aghehowa at the half-time, Borja Iglesias had multiple opportunities in as many minutes before Merino did it again. The delivery from the left was excellent from Álex Grimaldo and there, leaping above all defenders, was Merino to direct the header down and dash off to celebrate around the flagpost.

Final Moments

As they had after the opener, Bulgaria survived once more, Despodov played through and sending his and their second shot wide and yet the initial instance the visitors had a shot on target it was at the incorrect goal, Atanas Chernev deflecting into his own net. Still it was not completely done, Merino kicked in the shins and allowing to let Oyarzabal smash in the 99th goal of De la Fuente's continuing tenure.