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It all commenced in Scotland and the momentum remains unbroken. That memorable evening at Hampden marked merely Luis de la Fuente's second outing as Spain's manager; numerous observers thought it could turn out to be his final assignment. Despite two Scott McTominay goals defeating the Spanish national team, while almost all spectators expected his spell would be short-lived, De la Fuente spoke about a route opening - and interestingly, the man once accused of being unrealistic proved right.

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

Pedri's Influence and Decisive Contribution

On a night when Pedri played and Mikel Merino made the decisive impact, Spain overcame Bulgaria four-nil to accumulate 12 points from 12 in qualifying, nearing advancement. The Arsenal midfielder and sometime forward netted the opening two goals and might have secured his second consecutive three-goal haul in three Spain appearances but after fouled in the final minute, he selflessly passed the penalty to Mikel Oyarzabal instead.

Thus it was the Real Sociedad attacker, scorer of the winning goal in the Euro 2024 showpiece, who continued the remarkable sequence, equaling what Vicente del Bosque's golden generation accomplished between 2010 and 2013.

Historic Achievement

Now, readers may have noticed the asterisk, and rightly so. Although FIFA might not classify it as a defeat, during this impressive run Spain actually lose once – seven-five on penalties to Portugal in the continental tournament decider back in June. Yet formally at least, this current team has equaled that legendary team against which all Spanish sides are measured.

Win 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 advanced to a Nations League final in 2025; they approach 2026 ranked number one, among the favorites once more, reminiscent of old times.

Total Control

This was "only" against Bulgaria, it is true, similar to previous matches against Georgia, Bulgaria, and Turkey but that's four wins from four, aggregate score fifteen-zero. Occurred two moments immediately after La Selección obtained their first two goals – the third being an own goal – but ultimately their rivals had not been allowed a solitary shot on target.

Overall statistics showed: 33-3, Spain demonstrably playing as Spain. Bulgaria's coach had admitted the sole objective his team could have was to hold out as long as possible. As it turned out, that resistance lasted 33 minutes, and Merino's header represented 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, ubiquitous and nowhere 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 withdrawn to a standing ovation on the sixty-sixth minute, and his were the moments of greatest subtlety, the finest touches and the sharpest as well.

When the Valladolid stadium chanted his name during the opening period, he had just drifted unnoticed into the area once more, dinking his shot over Svetoslav Vutsov and onto the woodwork, but it was not just that. He had already lifted a magnificent pass into Álex Baena to strike wide and pulled another back from which Baena was blocked.

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 received a opportunity of his own only to be unable to find a proper 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 88% of the ball, now had the advantage. The heat map appeared like they had exhausted supply of spray paint midway through and a moment 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 initial occasion Bulgaria advanced into Spain's territory they might have leveled the score, Kiril Despodov suddenly breaking away and hitting the outside of the net.

Brought on for Aghehowa at the half-time, Borja Iglesias had three opportunities in as many minutes before Merino scored once more. The cross from the left was superb from Álex Grimaldo and there, jumping above all defenders, was Merino to power the header downward and sprint to celebrate round the flagpost.

Closing Stages

As they had after the opener, Bulgaria survived again, Despodov played through and sending 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 team's goal. Still it was not quite finished, Merino fouled in the shins and stepping aside to let Oyarzabal smash in the ninety-ninth goal of De la Fuente's ongoing tenure.