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Everything started in Scotland and the momentum continues. That memorable night at Hampden marked only Luis de la Fuente's second as Spain's manager; many believed it might prove to be his last match in charge. Despite a pair of Scott McTominay goals defeating La Furia Roja, while virtually everyone expected his tenure would be brief, De la Fuente spoke about a pathway opening - and interestingly, the man previously criticized of being unrealistic turned out right.

36 months and later, Spain advanced extremely close of World Cup participation, and also achieving their twenty-ninth consecutive official game without defeat, matching the historic record.

Midfield Masterclass and Decisive Contribution

During an evening when the Barcelona midfielder played and Mikel Merino created the difference, Spain overcame Bulgaria four-nil to accumulate a perfect dozen from twelve in qualifying, edging closer. The Gunners' midfielder and occasional forward netted the opening two goals and could have secured his second hat-trick in three Spain appearances but after fouled in the closing minute, he generously handed 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 remarkable sequence, matching what Vicente del Bosque's golden generation accomplished between 2010 and 2013.

Record Equaled

Currently, readers may have noticed the asterisk, and rightly so. Although FIFA might not classify it as a defeat, during this remarkable run Spain did suffer defeat once – seven-five on penalties to Portugal in the continental tournament decider back in June. However officially at least, this current team has equaled that historic team against which all Spanish national teams are compared.

Win in Georgia in thirty days and the achievement will be theirs alone. 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 favorites once more, reminiscent of old times.

Total Control

The match represented "only" against Bulgaria, it is true, similar to previous matches against Georgia, Bulgaria, and Turkey but that's four victories from four outings, aggregate score fifteen-zero. Occurred two instances immediately after the Spanish team scored their opening goals – the third strike being an self-inflicted – but eventually their opponents had not been permitted a single shot on target.

The total statistics read: thirty-three to three, 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. Ultimately, that resistance lasted 33 minutes, and Merino's header constituted Spain's 18th attempt on target already.

Midfield Brilliance

This performance was about all of them, but at the heart of it was Pedri, ubiquitous and nowhere at once: everywhere for Spain, absent for Bulgaria, incapable to track him as he flitted through their lines. He executed one hundred and one passes by the time he was withdrawn to a standing ovation on 66 minutes, and his were the instances of utmost subtlety, the most exquisite touches and the most incisive as well.

When the Valladolid stadium sang his name during the opening period, he had just drifted unmarked into the penalty box again, dinking his shot over Svetoslav Vutsov and onto the woodwork, but it was not just that. He had already lifted a gorgeous pass into Álex Baena to strike wide and pulled another pass from which Baena was blocked.

Continued Pressure

A disguised pass had set Samu Aghehowa up for what should have been the first goal, and a neat lay-off saw Oyarzabal mishit his attempt. He received a chance of his own only to be unable to find a clean contact, volleying wide.

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

Momentary Threat

But then in part it's the uncertainty, even the unfairness, that makes football great. 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.

Brought on for Aghehowa at the break, Borja Iglesias had multiple chances in as many minutes before Merino scored once more. The cross from the left was superb from Álex Grimaldo and there, leaping above everyone, was Merino to direct the header down and sprint to do laps round the flagpost.

Closing Stages

As they had after the opener, Bulgaria escaped once more, Despodov played through and sending his and their second shot wide and yet the first time the away team had a shot on target it was at the incorrect goal, Atanas Chernev turning into his own net. Yet it was not completely done, Merino fouled in the shins and allowing to let Oyarzabal blast in the ninety-ninth goal of De la Fuente's ongoing tenure.