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Everything began in Scotland and this impressive streak persists. That fateful evening at Hampden represented only Luis de la Fuente's second outing as Spain's head coach; many believed it could prove to be his last match in charge. Although two Scott McTominay goals overcoming La Furia Roja, while almost all spectators expected his tenure would be short-lived, De la Fuente spoke about a route emerging - and remarkably, the manager once accused of being unrealistic proved correct.

Three years and four days, Spain moved extremely close of World Cup qualification, and also racking up their 29th consecutive official game without defeat, matching the historic record.

Midfield Masterclass and Merino's Impact

During an evening when the Barcelona midfielder played and Mikel Merino made the decisive impact, Spain defeated Bulgaria 4-0 to secure a perfect dozen from twelve in qualifying, nearing advancement. The Gunners' midfielder and occasional forward netted the first two goals and could have secured his second consecutive three-goal haul in three Spain matches but when brought down in the closing minute, he generously handed the spot-kick to Mikel Oyarzabal instead.

Therefore it was the Real Sociedad attacker, goal-getter of the decisive goal in the Euro 2024 showpiece, who maintained the impressive sequence, matching what Vicente del Bosque's golden generation achieved between 2010 and 2013.

Record Equaled

Currently, you might have observed the symbol, and rightly so. While FIFA may not classify it as a loss, during this remarkable run Spain did suffer defeat once – seven-five on penalties to Portugal in the Nations League final back in June. Yet formally at least, this present team has equaled that historic squad against which all Spanish national teams are compared.

Win in Georgia in thirty days and the achievement will be exclusively theirs. En route they captured the Nations League in 2023, the European Championships in 2024 and reached a Nations League final in 2025; they approach 2026 ranked No. 1, among the favorites once more, reminiscent of old times.

Total Control

The match represented "only" versus Bulgaria, admittedly, just as previous matches against Georgia, Bulgaria, and Turkey but that's four victories from four, aggregate score fifteen-zero. There were two instances immediately after the Spanish team obtained their opening goals – the third being an own goal – but ultimately their rivals had not been allowed a solitary shot on target.

The total count showed: 33-3, Spain clearly being Spain. Bulgaria's coach had confessed the only objective his team could have was to hold out as long as they could. Ultimately, that defensive effort lasted thirty-three minutes, and Merino's header represented Spain's 18th attempt on target by that point.

Midfield Brilliance

The display was about all of them, but at the core of it was Pedri, ubiquitous and nowhere at once: everywhere for Spain, absent for Bulgaria, unable to track him as he darted through their lines. He executed 101 passes by the time he was withdrawn to a standing ovation on 66 minutes, and his were the instances of greatest subtlety, the finest touches and the most incisive as well.

When the José Zorrilla sang his name during the opening period, he had just slipped unmarked into the penalty box again, chipping his shot over Svetoslav Vutsov and onto the woodwork, but it was not just that. He had already lifted a magnificent pass into Álex Baena to volley wide and delivered another pass from which Baena was blocked.

Sustained Attack

An cleverly weighted pass had created opportunity for Samu Aghehowa up for what ought to have been the opener, and a neat lay-off saw Oyarzabal scuff his attempt. He received a opportunity 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 headed in. Spain, who had 88% of the possession, now had the lead. The heat map appeared like they had exhausted supply of spray paint half way through and a little later Aghehowa might have made it two.

Momentary Threat

But then in part it's the uncertainty, even the unfairness, that makes football special. And the initial occasion Bulgaria got into Spain's territory they could have equalized, Kiril Despodov suddenly sprinting away and hitting the outside of the net.

Brought on for Aghehowa at the half-time, 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 power the header downward and sprint to celebrate round the flagpost.

Final Moments

Similar to their reaction after the opener, Bulgaria survived once more, Despodov sent through and putting his and their following shot wide and nevertheless the initial instance the visitors 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 kicked in the legs and stepping aside to let Oyarzabal smash in the ninety-ninth goal of De la Fuente's continuing tenure.