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It all commenced in Scottish soil and the momentum continues. That fateful night at Hampden represented only Luis de la Fuente's second as Spain's manager; many believed it might prove to be his last match in charge. Although a pair of Scott McTominay goals defeating the Spanish national team, while almost all spectators anticipated his spell would be brief, De la Fuente talked about a pathway opening - and remarkably, the manager previously criticized of being unrealistic turned out correct.

36 months and later, Spain moved extremely close of World Cup participation, and also achieving their 29th straight competitive game unbeaten, matching the legendary record.

Pedri's Influence and Decisive Contribution

During an evening when the Barcelona midfielder featured and Mikel Merino created the difference, Spain defeated Bulgaria 4-0 to secure 12 points from twelve in qualifying, edging closer. The Gunners' playmaker and occasional striker netted the opening two goals and could have secured his second hat-trick in three recent Spain appearances but after brought down in the closing minute, he selflessly passed the penalty to Mikel Oyarzabal instead.

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

Record Equaled

Currently, readers may have noticed the asterisk, and correctly so. While FIFA may not count it as a loss, during this impressive run Spain did suffer defeat once – 7-5 on penalties to Portugal in the continental tournament decider back in June. Yet formally at least, this present team has equaled that legendary squad against which all Spanish national teams are compared.

Win in Georgia in a month and the record will be theirs alone. En route they captured the Nations League in 2023, the European Championships in 2024 and advanced to a Nations League final in 2025; they approach 2026 sitting No. 1, among the favorites once more, reminiscent of previous eras.

Total Control

The match represented "only" versus Bulgaria, it is true, similar to previous encounters against Georgia, Bulgaria, and Turkey but that's four victories from four outings, combined score 15-0. There were two moments immediately after the Spanish team obtained their first two goals – the third strike being an own goal – but ultimately their opponents had not been allowed a solitary shot on target.

The total statistics read: 33-3, Spain demonstrably playing as Spain. Bulgaria's coach had confessed the sole 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 constituted 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, everywhere and nowhere at once: present for Spain, absent for Bulgaria, incapable to track him as he darted through their defense. He completed 101 passes by the time he was withdrawn to a standing ovation on 66 minutes, and his were the moments of utmost subtlety, the finest touches and the most incisive too.

When the Valladolid stadium chanted his name midway the opening period, he had just slipped unmarked into the penalty box once more, dinking his shot over Svetoslav Vutsov and onto the woodwork, but it was not only that. He had previously floated a magnificent pass into Álex Baena to volley wide and pulled an additional back from which Baena was denied.

Sustained Attack

An cleverly weighted delivery had set Samu Aghehowa up for what ought to have been the first goal, and a precise lay-off saw Oyarzabal mishit his shot. He got a opportunity of his own only to fail to find a clean connection, striking wide.

But then, shortly after, he floated another ball in. This time Robin Le Normand headed across and Merino headed in. Spain, who had 88% of the ball, then had the advantage. The heat map appeared like they had run out of spray paint midway through and a little later Aghehowa might have made it two-nil.

Momentary Threat

But then in part it's the uncertainty, even the injustice, that makes football great. And the first time Bulgaria advanced into Spain's half they might have equalized, Kiril Despodov suddenly sprinting away and striking the outside of the net.

Brought on for Aghehowa at the half-time, Borja Iglesias had multiple opportunities in as many minutes before Merino did it 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 celebrate around the corner flag.

Final Moments

As they had after the opener, Bulgaria survived once more, Despodov sent through and sending his and their second 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. Still it was not quite finished, Merino kicked in the shins and allowing to let Oyarzabal smash in the ninety-ninth goal of De la Fuente's ongoing tenure.