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It all commenced in Scottish soil and this impressive streak continues. That memorable evening at Hampden marked only Luis de la Fuente's second outing as Spain's head coach; many believed it could turn out to be his last match in charge. Despite two Scott McTominay goals defeating the Spanish national team, while almost all spectators expected his tenure would be brief, the coach spoke about a route opening - and interestingly, the man once accused of being unrealistic proved correct.

36 months and later, Spain advanced extremely close of World Cup qualification, and also racking up their 29th straight official game unbeaten, matching the legendary record.

Pedri's Influence and Merino's Impact

On a night when Pedri featured and Mikel Merino made the difference, Spain overcame Bulgaria four-nil to accumulate a perfect dozen from twelve in qualifying, edging closer. The Gunners' playmaker and occasional striker scored the first two goals and could have earned his second three-goal haul in three recent Spain appearances but when brought down in the closing minute, he generously handed the penalty to Mikel Oyarzabal instead.

Therefore it was the Real Sociedad attacker, goal-getter of the decisive goal in the Euro 2024 final, who continued the impressive sequence, matching what Vicente del Bosque's golden generation accomplished between 2010 and 2013.

Record Equaled

Currently, you might have observed the asterisk, and correctly so. Although FIFA might not count it as a defeat, during this impressive run Spain actually lose once – 7-5 on penalties to Portugal in the continental tournament decider back in June. However officially at least, this present team has matched that legendary squad against which all Spanish national teams are compared.

Win 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 No. 1, among the frontrunners once more, just like previous eras.

Complete Domination

This was "only" versus Bulgaria, it is true, similar to previous encounters against Georgia, Bulgaria, and Turkey but that's four wins from four outings, combined score 15-0. There were two moments immediately after La Selección obtained their opening goals – the third being an own goal – but eventually their rivals had not been allowed a solitary shot on target.

Overall statistics showed: 33-3, Spain demonstrably being Spain. Bulgaria's coach had admitted the only objective his team could have was to hold out as long as possible. Ultimately, that defensive effort lasted thirty-three minutes, and Merino's header represented Spain's eighteenth attempt on target already.

Pedri's Masterclass

This performance was about the entire team, but at the heart of it was Pedri, ubiquitous and nowhere simultaneously: present for Spain, absent for Bulgaria, incapable to track him as he darted through their lines. He completed 101 passes by the time he was substituted to a standing ovation on the sixty-sixth minute, and his were the moments of greatest subtlety, the most exquisite touches and the most incisive too.

When the José Zorrilla chanted his name during the first half, he had just drifted unmarked into the penalty box again, dinking his shot over Svetoslav Vutsov and onto the crossbar, but it was not just that. He had already lifted a gorgeous pass into Álex Baena to strike wide and delivered another back from which Baena was denied.

Continued Pressure

An cleverly weighted delivery had set Samu Aghehowa up for what should have been the first goal, and a neat lay-off saw Oyarzabal scuff his attempt. He got a opportunity of his own only to be unable to find a proper contact, volleying wide.

But then, almost immediately after, he delivered an additional ball in. This time Robin Le Normand nodded across and Merino directed in. Spain, who had 88% of the ball, now had the lead. The positioning chart appeared like they had run out of marking paint midway through and a moment later Aghehowa could have made it two-nil.

Brief Resistance

But then in part it's the uncertainty, even the unfairness, that makes football special. And the first time Bulgaria got into Spain's territory they could have equalized, Kiril Despodov abruptly sprinting away and hitting the outside of the net.

Introduced 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 excellent from Álex Grimaldo and there, leaping above all defenders, was Merino to power the header down and dash off to do laps around the flagpost.

Closing Stages

Similar to their reaction after the opener, Bulgaria survived again, Despodov sent through and sending his and their following shot wide and yet the initial instance the away team had a shot on target it was at the wrong end, Atanas Chernev deflecting into his own net. Yet it was not completely finished, Merino fouled in the legs and stepping aside to let Oyarzabal blast in the ninety-ninth goal of De la Fuente's continuing tenure.