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It all started in Scotland and this impressive streak continues. That memorable night at Hampden represented only Luis de la Fuente's second outing as Spain's manager; numerous observers thought it might turn out to be his final assignment. Despite two Scott McTominay goals overcoming La Furia Roja, whereas almost all spectators expected his tenure would be short-lived, the coach talked about a pathway opening - and remarkably, the manager once accused of being unrealistic turned out right.

Three years and four days, Spain advanced to within touching distance of World Cup participation, while simultaneously racking up their 29th straight official game unbeaten, matching the historic record.

Pedri's Influence and Decisive Contribution

During an evening when Pedri featured and Mikel Merino created the decisive impact, Spain defeated Bulgaria four-nil to secure a perfect dozen from twelve in World Cup qualification, edging closer. The Arsenal playmaker and occasional striker scored the opening two goals and might have earned his second consecutive three-goal haul in three recent Spain matches but when fouled in the final minute, he generously handed the penalty to Mikel Oyarzabal instead.

Therefore it was La Real attacker, scorer of the winning goal in the Euro 2024 final, who maintained the remarkable sequence, matching what Vicente del Bosque's golden generation accomplished between 2010 and 2013.

Historic Achievement

Currently, readers may have observed the asterisk, and correctly so. While FIFA might not count it as a loss, during this impressive run Spain actually suffer defeat once – seven-five on penalties to Portugal in the Nations League decider back in June. However officially at least, this present team has equaled that historic squad against which all Spanish sides are measured.

Victory in Georgia in a month and the record will be theirs alone. Along the way they won the Nations League in 2023, the European Championships in 2024 and reached a Nations League final in 2025; they approach 2026 ranked No. 1, among the favorites once more, just like old times.

Total Control

This was "only" against Bulgaria, admittedly, just as previous matches against Georgia, Bulgaria, and Turkey but that's four wins from four outings, combined score 15-0. Occurred two instances immediately after the Spanish team obtained their opening goals – the third being an own goal – but eventually their rivals had not been permitted a single shot on target.

Overall count read: 33-3, Spain demonstrably playing as Spain. Bulgaria's coach had admitted the only objective his team could have was to hold out as long as possible. As it turned out, that defensive effort lasted 33 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, ubiquitous and nowhere simultaneously: everywhere for Spain, absent for Bulgaria, unable to track him as he flitted through their lines. He completed one hundred and one passes by the time he was substituted to a rapturous applause on the sixty-sixth minute, and his were the instances of utmost subtlety, the most exquisite touches and the most incisive as well.

When the José Zorrilla chanted his name during the opening period, he had just drifted unnoticed into the penalty box again, dinking his shot over Svetoslav Vutsov and onto the woodwork, but it was not just that. He had previously floated 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 should have been the first goal, and a neat lay-off saw Oyarzabal scuff his attempt. He received a opportunity of his own only to be unable to find a proper contact, volleying wide.

But then, almost immediately after, he floated an additional ball in. This time Robin Le Normand headed across and Merino directed in. Spain, who had eighty-eight percent of the possession, now had the lead. The heat map looked like they had run out of marking paint half way through and a little later Aghehowa might have made it two.

Brief Resistance

But then in part it's the unpredictability, even the unfairness, that makes football special. And the first time Bulgaria advanced into Spain's half they might have leveled the score, Kiril Despodov abruptly breaking away and striking the outside of the net.

Introduced for Aghehowa at the half-time, Borja Iglesias had three chances in as many minutes before Merino did it again. The cross from the left was superb from Álex Grimaldo and there, jumping above all defenders, was Merino to power the header down and sprint to celebrate round the corner flag.

Closing Stages

As they had after the first goal, Bulgaria escaped again, Despodov played through and putting his and their following shot wide and nevertheless the initial instance the away team had a shot on target it was at the wrong end, Atanas Chernev turning into his own net. Yet it was not quite finished, Merino kicked in the shins and allowing to let Oyarzabal smash in the 99th goal of De la Fuente's continuing reign.