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It all started in Scotland and the momentum remains unbroken. That fateful evening at Hampden represented merely Luis de la Fuente's second as Spain's head coach; many believed it might turn out to be his final match in charge. Although a pair of Scott McTominay goals overcoming La Furia Roja, whereas virtually everyone expected his spell would be short-lived, De la Fuente talked about a route emerging - and interestingly, the manager previously criticized of being unrealistic turned out right.

Three years and four days, Spain moved extremely close of World Cup participation, while simultaneously achieving their twenty-ninth consecutive official game unbeaten, equaling the legendary record.

Pedri's Influence and Decisive Contribution

During an evening when the Barcelona midfielder featured and Mikel Merino created the decisive impact, Spain overcame Bulgaria 4-0 to secure a perfect dozen from 12 in qualifying, edging closer. The Gunners' midfielder and occasional forward netted the opening two goals and might have secured his second three-goal haul in three Spain appearances but after brought down in the final minute, he selflessly passed the penalty to Mikel Oyarzabal instead.

Therefore it was La Real attacker, scorer of the winning goal in the European Championship final, who maintained the impressive sequence, matching what Vicente del Bosque's golden generation achieved between 2010 and 2013.

Record Equaled

Currently, readers may have observed the asterisk, and rightly so. While FIFA may not count it as a loss, during this impressive run Spain actually suffer defeat once – seven-five on penalties to Portugal in the continental tournament final back in June. However officially at least, this present team has matched that legendary team against which all Spanish sides are measured.

Win in Georgia in a month and the achievement will be theirs alone. En route they won the Nations League in 2023, the European Championships in 2024 and advanced to a Nations League final in 2025; they head toward 2026 sitting number one, among the favorites once more, just like previous eras.

Total Control

This was "only" against Bulgaria, admittedly, just as previous encounters against Georgia, Bulgaria, and Turkey but that's four victories from four, combined score fifteen-zero. Occurred two instances immediately after the Spanish team obtained their opening goals – the third strike being an self-inflicted – but ultimately their rivals had not been allowed a single shot on target.

Overall statistics read: thirty-three to three, Spain demonstrably being Spain. Bulgaria's coach had admitted the only objective his team could have was to resist as long as they could. Ultimately, that resistance lasted thirty-three minutes, and Merino's header constituted Spain's 18th attempt on target already.

Pedri's Masterclass

The display was about the entire team, but at the heart of it was Pedri, ubiquitous and elusive at once: everywhere for Spain, absent for Bulgaria, incapable to detect 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 utmost subtlety, the finest touches and the sharpest as well.

When the José Zorrilla sang his name during the opening period, he had just drifted unmarked into the area once more, chipping his shot over Svetoslav Vutsov and onto the crossbar, but it was not only that. He had previously lifted a gorgeous pass into Álex Baena to volley wide and delivered an additional pass from which Baena was denied.

Sustained Attack

A disguised delivery had created opportunity for Samu Aghehowa up for what should have been the opener, and a precise pass saw Oyarzabal scuff his shot. He got a chance of his own only to fail to find a clean connection, striking wide.

But then, shortly after, he delivered another ball in. This time Robin Le Normand headed across and Merino directed in. Spain, who had 88% of the possession, then had the lead. The heat map appeared like they had exhausted supply of spray paint midway through and a moment later Aghehowa might have made it two-nil.

Brief Resistance

But then in part it's the uncertainty, even the injustice, that makes football great. And the initial occasion Bulgaria got into Spain's territory they might have leveled the score, Kiril Despodov suddenly sprinting away and hitting the outside of the net.

Brought on for Aghehowa at the break, Borja Iglesias had three opportunities in as many minutes before Merino scored again. The delivery from the left flank was superb from Álex Grimaldo and there, leaping above all defenders, was Merino to direct the header downward and sprint to celebrate around the corner flag.

Final Moments

As they had after the first goal, Bulgaria escaped again, Despodov sent through and sending his and their second shot wide and nevertheless the initial instance the visitors had a shot on target it was at the incorrect goal, Atanas Chernev turning into his team's goal. Yet it was not completely done, Merino kicked in the shins and allowing to let Oyarzabal smash in the ninety-ninth goal of De la Fuente's continuing reign.