🔗 Share this article

Everything commenced in Scottish soil and the momentum continues. That fateful evening at Hampden marked only Luis de la Fuente's second outing as Spain's manager; numerous observers thought it might turn out to be his last assignment. Although a pair of Scott McTominay goals overcoming the Spanish national team, whereas almost all spectators expected his spell would be brief, De la Fuente talked about a pathway opening - and interestingly, the man previously criticized of being unrealistic turned out correct.

Three years and later, Spain advanced extremely close of World Cup participation, while simultaneously racking up their twenty-ninth consecutive competitive game unbeaten, equaling the historic record.

Midfield Masterclass and Merino's Impact

On a night when the Barcelona midfielder featured and Mikel Merino created the decisive impact, Spain defeated Bulgaria four-nil to secure a perfect dozen from 12 in qualifying, nearing advancement. The Gunners' midfielder and occasional forward scored the opening two goals and might have earned his second consecutive hat-trick in three Spain appearances but when fouled in the final minute, he generously handed the spot-kick to Mikel Oyarzabal instead.

Thus it was the Real Sociedad striker, scorer of the winning goal in the Euro 2024 final, who maintained the remarkable sequence, equaling what Vicente del Bosque's golden generation achieved between 2010 and 2013.

Historic Achievement

Now, readers may have noticed the symbol, and rightly so. While FIFA might not classify it as a defeat, during this remarkable run Spain did lose once – 7-5 on penalties to Portugal in the Nations League final back in June. Yet officially at least, this present team has equaled that historic team against which all Spanish sides are measured.

Victory in Georgia in a month and the achievement will be exclusively theirs. Along the way they captured the Nations League in 2023, the European Championships in 2024 and reached a Nations League final in 2025; they approach 2026 sitting No. 1, among the favorites once more, reminiscent of old times.

Total Control

This was "only" versus Bulgaria, admittedly, just as previous matches against Georgia, Bulgaria, and Turkey but that's four wins from four, aggregate score 15-0. There were two instances immediately after the Spanish team obtained their first two goals – the third strike being an self-inflicted – but ultimately their rivals had not been allowed a single shot on target.

Overall statistics 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 they could. Ultimately, that resistance lasted thirty-three minutes, and Merino's header represented Spain's 18th attempt on target by that point.

Midfield Brilliance

This performance was about the entire team, but at the heart of it was Pedri, everywhere and nowhere simultaneously: present for Spain, absent for Bulgaria, incapable to detect him as he flitted through their defense. He completed one hundred and one passes by the time he was substituted to a standing ovation on the sixty-sixth minute, and his were the moments of utmost subtlety, the finest touches and the most incisive too.

When the Valladolid stadium sang his name during the opening period, he had just drifted unnoticed into the area again, dinking his shot over Svetoslav Vutsov and onto the crossbar, but it was not only that. He had previously floated a gorgeous pass into Álex Baena to strike wide and pulled another pass 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 precise pass saw Oyarzabal mishit his attempt. He got a opportunity of his own only to be unable to find a clean connection, volleying wide.

But then, shortly after, he delivered another ball in. This time Robin Le Normand nodded across and Merino directed in. Spain, who had eighty-eight percent of the ball, then had the advantage. The positioning chart appeared like they had run out of spray paint midway through and a moment later Aghehowa could have made it two.

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 equalized, Kiril Despodov abruptly sprinting away and striking the side-netting.

Brought on for Aghehowa at the half-time, Borja Iglesias had multiple chances in as many minutes before Merino did it again. The cross from the left was excellent from Álex Grimaldo and there, jumping above all defenders, was Merino to direct the header down and dash off to do laps around the corner flag.

Closing Stages

Similar to their reaction after the opener, Bulgaria survived again, Despodov played through and sending 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. Still it was not completely finished, Merino kicked in the shins and stepping aside to let Oyarzabal blast in the ninety-ninth goal of De la Fuente's ongoing tenure.