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Everything started in Scottish soil and the momentum remains unbroken. That fateful evening at Hampden represented only Luis de la Fuente's second as Spain's head coach; numerous observers thought it might turn out to be his last match in charge. Despite two Scott McTominay goals overcoming La Furia Roja, while virtually everyone anticipated his tenure would be short-lived, the coach spoke about a route opening - and remarkably, the man previously criticized of being unrealistic proved right.

Three years and four days, Spain moved to within touching distance of World Cup participation, while simultaneously achieving their 29th straight competitive game unbeaten, matching the historic record.

Pedri's Influence and Decisive Contribution

During an evening when Pedri featured and Mikel Merino made the difference, Spain overcame Bulgaria 4-0 to secure 12 points from twelve in qualifying, nearing advancement. The Arsenal midfielder and occasional forward scored the opening two goals and could have earned his second three-goal haul in three recent Spain matches but after brought down in the closing minute, he selflessly passed the spot-kick 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, equaling what Vicente del Bosque's golden generation accomplished between 2010 and 2013.

Historic Achievement

Now, readers may have observed the symbol, and correctly so. Although FIFA might not classify it as a defeat, during this remarkable run Spain did lose once – seven-five on penalties to Portugal in the Nations League decider back in June. Yet formally at least, this current team has matched that legendary team against which all Spanish sides are compared.

Win in Georgia in thirty days and the achievement will be theirs alone. 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 frontrunners once more, just like old times.

Complete Domination

This was "only" against Bulgaria, it is true, similar to previous matches against Georgia, Bulgaria, and Turkey but that's four victories from four outings, aggregate score 15-0. Occurred two moments immediately after the Spanish team scored their first two goals – the third strike being an own goal – but eventually their opponents had not been permitted a solitary shot on target.

The total count read: 33-3, Spain demonstrably being Spain. Bulgaria's coach had confessed the only objective his team could have was to resist as long as they could. As it turned out, that defensive effort lasted 33 minutes, and Merino's header constituted Spain's 18th attempt on target by that point.

Midfield Brilliance

This performance was about all of them, but at the core of it was Pedri, everywhere 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 66 minutes, and his were the instances of utmost subtlety, the most exquisite touches and the most incisive as well.

When the Valladolid stadium sang his name during the first half, he had just drifted unmarked into the penalty box once more, chipping his shot over Svetoslav Vutsov and onto the crossbar, but it was not just that. He had previously lifted a magnificent pass into Álex Baena to volley wide and delivered an additional back from which Baena was denied.

Sustained Attack

A disguised delivery had created opportunity for Samu Aghehowa up for what ought to have been the opener, and a precise pass saw Oyarzabal mishit his shot. He got a opportunity of his own only to fail to find a proper connection, volleying wide.

But then, almost immediately after, he floated another ball in. This time Robin Le Normand headed across and Merino directed in. Spain, who had 88% of the ball, then had the advantage. The positioning chart appeared like they had exhausted supply of spray paint half way through and a little later Aghehowa might have made it two-nil.

Momentary Threat

But then in part it's the unpredictability, even the unfairness, that makes football special. And the initial occasion Bulgaria advanced into Spain's half 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 opportunities in as many minutes before Merino did it once more. The delivery from the left was excellent from Álex Grimaldo and there, leaping above everyone, was Merino to direct the header downward and sprint to celebrate round the flagpost.

Closing Stages

As they had after the first goal, Bulgaria escaped again, Despodov sent 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 incorrect goal, Atanas Chernev deflecting into his team's goal. Still it was not completely finished, Merino kicked in the shins and allowing to let Oyarzabal smash in the ninety-ninth goal of De la Fuente's ongoing tenure.