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Everything began in Scottish soil and this impressive streak remains unbroken. That memorable night at Hampden represented merely Luis de la Fuente's second outing as Spain's manager; numerous observers thought it might turn out to be his final match in charge. Although a pair of Scott McTominay goals defeating the Spanish national team, whereas almost all spectators expected his tenure would be short-lived, the coach talked about a pathway opening - and interestingly, the man previously criticized of living in Disneyland turned out right.

Three years and later, Spain advanced to within touching distance of World Cup qualification, and also racking up their 29th straight competitive game without defeat, matching the historic record.

Pedri's Influence and Decisive Contribution

On a night when Pedri played and Mikel Merino made the decisive impact, Spain overcame Bulgaria four-nil to secure 12 points from twelve in qualifying, edging closer. The Gunners' playmaker and sometime striker netted the first two goals and could have earned his second consecutive hat-trick in three recent Spain appearances but after brought down in the closing minute, he selflessly passed the penalty to Mikel Oyarzabal instead.

Therefore it was the Real Sociedad attacker, scorer of the decisive goal in the Euro 2024 final, who continued the impressive sequence, matching what Vicente del Bosque's legendary squad accomplished between 2010 and 2013.

Record Equaled

Now, readers may have noticed the asterisk, and rightly so. While FIFA may not classify it as a defeat, during this impressive run Spain actually lose once – 7-5 on penalties to Portugal in the Nations League decider back in June. Yet officially at least, this current team has equaled that legendary squad against which all Spanish national teams 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 ranked number one, among the favorites once more, just like previous eras.

Total Control

This was "only" against 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 instances immediately after La Selección obtained their opening goals – the third strike being an self-inflicted – but ultimately their opponents had not been allowed a solitary shot on target.

Overall count read: thirty-three to three, Spain clearly playing as Spain. Bulgaria's coach had admitted the sole objective his team could have was to hold out as long as possible. As it turned out, that defensive effort lasted thirty-three minutes, and Merino's header represented Spain's 18th attempt on target already.

Midfield Brilliance

This performance was about all of them, but at the heart of it was Pedri, ubiquitous and elusive at once: present for Spain, absent for Bulgaria, incapable to detect him as he darted through their lines. He completed one hundred and one passes by the time he was substituted to a rapturous applause on the sixty-sixth minute, and his were the moments of greatest subtlety, the finest touches and the sharpest as well.

When the Valladolid stadium sang his name during the opening period, he had just slipped unmarked into the area again, dinking his shot over Svetoslav Vutsov and onto the woodwork, but it was not just that. He had previously floated a magnificent pass into Álex Baena to strike wide and pulled an additional pass from which Baena was blocked.

Sustained Attack

A disguised delivery had set Samu Aghehowa up for what should have been the opener, and a precise lay-off saw Oyarzabal scuff his attempt. He got a opportunity of his own only to be unable to find a clean contact, striking wide.

But then, shortly after, he delivered another ball in. This time Robin Le Normand nodded 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 half way through and a little later Aghehowa could have made it two.

Momentary Threat

But then in part it's the uncertainty, even the injustice, that makes football special. And the first time Bulgaria advanced into Spain's half they might have leveled the score, Kiril Despodov suddenly sprinting away and striking the side-netting.

Introduced for Aghehowa at the half-time, Borja Iglesias had multiple opportunities in as many minutes before Merino did it again. The delivery from the left was excellent from Álex Grimaldo and there, jumping above everyone, was Merino to power the header down and dash off to celebrate around the corner flag.

Closing Stages

As they had after the opener, Bulgaria survived once more, Despodov played 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 wrong end, Atanas Chernev turning into his team's goal. Yet it was not quite finished, Merino kicked in the legs and allowing to let Oyarzabal blast in the ninety-ninth goal of De la Fuente's continuing tenure.