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It all began in Scotland and this impressive streak persists. That fateful evening at Hampden represented only Luis de la Fuente's second outing as Spain's manager; numerous observers thought it might prove to be his last match in charge. Although a pair of Scott McTominay goals defeating the Spanish national team, whereas virtually everyone expected his tenure would be brief, De la Fuente spoke about a route 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 racking up their twenty-ninth consecutive official game without defeat, equaling the legendary record.

Midfield Masterclass and Merino's Impact

During an evening when the Barcelona midfielder played and Mikel Merino created the decisive impact, Spain overcame Bulgaria four-nil to accumulate a perfect dozen from twelve in World Cup qualification, nearing advancement. The Gunners' midfielder and sometime forward scored the first two goals and could have secured his second consecutive three-goal haul in three recent Spain matches but when fouled in the final minute, he generously handed the spot-kick to Mikel Oyarzabal instead.

Thus it was La Real striker, goal-getter of the winning goal in the European Championship final, who maintained the impressive sequence, matching what Vicente del Bosque's golden generation achieved between 2010 and 2013.

Historic Achievement

Now, you might have observed the symbol, and correctly so. Although FIFA may not count it as a loss, during this impressive run Spain actually lose once – seven-five on penalties to Portugal in the continental tournament final back in June. Yet formally at least, this current team has matched that historic squad against which all Spanish national teams are measured.

Victory in Georgia in a month and the record will be theirs alone. Along the way 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 number one, among the frontrunners once more, reminiscent of previous eras.

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 outings, aggregate score 15-0. Occurred two instances immediately after La Selección obtained their first two goals – the third being an own goal – but ultimately their opponents had not been allowed a single shot on target.

The total count showed: thirty-three to three, Spain clearly being Spain. Bulgaria's coach had admitted the sole objective his team could have was to hold out as long as they could. Ultimately, that resistance lasted thirty-three minutes, and Merino's header constituted Spain's 18th attempt on target by that point.

Midfield Brilliance

The display was about all of them, but at the core of it was Pedri, everywhere and nowhere simultaneously: present for Spain, absent 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 rapturous applause on 66 minutes, and his were the moments of greatest subtlety, the most exquisite touches and the sharpest as well.

When the José Zorrilla sang his name during the opening period, he had just slipped unnoticed into the area again, chipping his shot over Svetoslav Vutsov and onto the woodwork, but it was not only that. He had previously floated a gorgeous pass into Álex Baena to strike wide and delivered another pass from which Baena was denied.

Continued Pressure

An cleverly weighted delivery 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, volleying wide.

But then, almost immediately after, he floated another ball in. This time Robin Le Normand headed across and Merino headed in. Spain, who had 88% of the possession, then had the advantage. The heat map appeared like they had run out of marking paint midway through and a moment later Aghehowa could have made it two.

Brief Resistance

But then in part it's the unpredictability, even the unfairness, that makes football great. And the initial occasion Bulgaria advanced into Spain's territory they might have equalized, Kiril Despodov abruptly breaking away and striking the side-netting.

Brought on for Aghehowa at the half-time, Borja Iglesias had three opportunities in as many minutes before Merino did it once more. The cross from the left flank was excellent from Álex Grimaldo and there, leaping above all defenders, was Merino to direct the header downward and dash off to do laps round the corner flag.

Final Moments

Similar to their reaction after the first goal, Bulgaria escaped again, Despodov played through and putting his and their following shot wide and nevertheless the first time the visitors had a shot on target it was at the incorrect goal, Atanas Chernev deflecting into his team's goal. Yet it was not quite finished, Merino kicked in the legs and allowing to let Oyarzabal blast in the ninety-ninth goal of De la Fuente's continuing tenure.