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Everything began in Scottish soil and the momentum remains unbroken. That memorable evening at Hampden represented only Luis de la Fuente's second as Spain's head coach; numerous observers thought it could prove to be his final match in charge. Despite two Scott McTominay goals overcoming the Spanish national team, while virtually everyone anticipated his spell would be short-lived, the coach talked about a route opening - and remarkably, the man once accused of being unrealistic proved right.

Three years and later, Spain moved to within touching distance of World Cup participation, and also racking up their 29th consecutive competitive game unbeaten, matching the historic record.

Pedri's Influence and Decisive Contribution

On a night when Pedri played and Mikel Merino made the difference, Spain defeated Bulgaria four-nil to secure a perfect dozen from twelve in qualifying, nearing advancement. The Gunners' midfielder and occasional striker scored the opening two goals and might have earned his second hat-trick in three Spain matches but when brought down in the final minute, he selflessly passed the penalty to Mikel Oyarzabal instead.

Thus it was the Real Sociedad striker, scorer of the winning goal in the European Championship final, who maintained the remarkable sequence, equaling what Vicente del Bosque's legendary squad accomplished between 2010 and 2013.

Historic Achievement

Now, you might have observed the symbol, and rightly so. While FIFA might not classify it as a loss, 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 current team has equaled that legendary squad against which all Spanish national teams are compared.

Win 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 advanced to a Nations League final in 2025; they head toward 2026 ranked No. 1, among the favorites once more, reminiscent of old times.

Complete Domination

This was "only" versus Bulgaria, admittedly, just as previous matches against Georgia, Bulgaria, and Turkey but that's four victories from four outings, combined score fifteen-zero. Occurred two moments immediately after La Selección obtained their first two goals – the third being an self-inflicted – but ultimately their opponents had not been permitted a single shot on target.

Overall statistics showed: 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. As it turned out, that defensive effort lasted 33 minutes, and Merino's header represented Spain's 18th attempt on target by that point.

Pedri's Masterclass

The display was about the entire team, but at the core of it was Pedri, everywhere and elusive at once: present for Spain, absent for Bulgaria, unable to detect him as he flitted through their lines. He executed one hundred and one passes by the time he was substituted to a standing ovation on 66 minutes, and his were the instances of greatest subtlety, the finest touches and the sharpest too.

When the Valladolid stadium chanted his name midway the first half, he had just slipped unnoticed into the area again, dinking his shot over Svetoslav Vutsov and onto the crossbar, but it was not just that. He had already floated a gorgeous pass into Álex Baena to volley wide and pulled an additional pass from which Baena was blocked.

Sustained Attack

A disguised delivery had created opportunity for Samu Aghehowa up for what ought to have been the first goal, and a neat lay-off saw Oyarzabal scuff his attempt. He received a opportunity of his own only to be unable to find a proper connection, striking wide.

But then, shortly after, he floated an additional ball in. This time Robin Le Normand nodded across and Merino directed in. Spain, who had 88% of the ball, then had the lead. The heat map appeared like they had exhausted supply of spray paint half way through and a little later Aghehowa could have made it two.

Momentary Threat

But then in part it's the unpredictability, even the injustice, that makes football special. And the first time Bulgaria advanced into Spain's territory they might have leveled the score, Kiril Despodov abruptly sprinting away and hitting the outside of the net.

Brought on for Aghehowa at the half-time, Borja Iglesias had multiple chances in as many minutes before Merino scored once more. The cross from the left flank was superb from Álex Grimaldo and there, leaping above all defenders, was Merino to direct the header down and dash off to celebrate around the corner flag.

Closing Stages

Similar to their reaction after the opener, Bulgaria survived again, Despodov played through and sending his and their second shot wide and nevertheless the initial instance the away team had a shot on target it was at the wrong end, Atanas Chernev deflecting into his team's goal. Yet it was not quite finished, Merino fouled in the legs and stepping aside to let Oyarzabal blast in the 99th goal of De la Fuente's continuing reign.