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Everything began in Scotland and the momentum remains unbroken. That fateful evening at Hampden represented merely Luis de la Fuente's second outing as Spain's head coach; many believed it could prove to be his last assignment. Despite a pair of Scott McTominay goals defeating the Spanish national team, whereas almost all spectators anticipated his tenure would be short-lived, the coach talked about a pathway opening - and remarkably, the manager previously criticized of being unrealistic turned out right.

36 months and four days, Spain advanced to within touching distance of World Cup qualification, and also racking up their 29th consecutive competitive game unbeaten, equaling the legendary record.

Pedri's Influence and Decisive Contribution

On a night when Pedri played and Mikel Merino created the decisive impact, Spain defeated Bulgaria four-nil to accumulate 12 points from 12 in qualifying, edging closer. The Gunners' midfielder and occasional forward scored the opening two goals and might have earned his second consecutive three-goal haul in three Spain matches but after brought down in the closing minute, he generously handed the spot-kick to Mikel Oyarzabal instead.

Thus it was La Real attacker, goal-getter of the winning goal in the Euro 2024 final, who maintained the remarkable sequence, matching what Vicente del Bosque's legendary squad achieved between 2010 and 2013.

Record Equaled

Now, you might have noticed the asterisk, and rightly so. While FIFA might not count it as a defeat, during this remarkable run Spain actually lose once – 7-5 on penalties to Portugal in the Nations League final back in June. Yet officially at least, this present team has matched that legendary team against which all Spanish national teams are measured.

Win in Georgia in thirty days and the record will be theirs alone. Along the way they won the Nations League in 2023, the European Championships in 2024 and advanced to a Nations League final in 2025; they head toward 2026 sitting number one, among the favorites once more, reminiscent of old times.

Complete Domination

The match represented "only" versus Bulgaria, it is true, just as previous encounters against Georgia, Bulgaria, and Turkey but that's four victories from four, combined score 15-0. Occurred two moments immediately after the Spanish team obtained their first two goals – the third being an self-inflicted – but ultimately their opponents had not been permitted a solitary shot on target.

The total count read: 33-3, Spain clearly being Spain. Bulgaria's coach had admitted the sole objective his team could have was to hold out as long as they could. Ultimately, that resistance lasted 33 minutes, and Merino's header represented Spain's 18th attempt on target already.

Pedri's Masterclass

The display was about the entire team, but at the core of it was Pedri, everywhere and nowhere simultaneously: present for Spain, absent for Bulgaria, unable to detect him as he darted through their defense. He completed 101 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 as well.

When the Valladolid stadium chanted his name midway the first half, he had just slipped unmarked into the area again, dinking his shot over Svetoslav Vutsov and onto the crossbar, but it was not only that. He had previously lifted a magnificent pass into Álex Baena to strike wide and pulled an additional back from which Baena was blocked.

Continued Pressure

A disguised delivery had set Samu Aghehowa up for what ought to have been the opener, and a neat lay-off saw Oyarzabal scuff his attempt. He got a chance of his own only to be unable to find a proper contact, volleying wide.

But then, shortly after, he floated an additional ball in. This time Robin Le Normand headed across and Merino directed in. Spain, who had eighty-eight percent of the possession, now had the advantage. The heat map appeared like they had exhausted supply of spray paint midway 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 half they might have leveled the score, Kiril Despodov abruptly breaking away and striking the side-netting.

Brought on for Aghehowa at the break, Borja Iglesias had three chances in as many minutes before Merino did it again. The cross from the left was superb from Álex Grimaldo and there, leaping above all defenders, was Merino to power the header downward and dash off to do laps around the corner flag.

Closing Stages

As they had after the opener, Bulgaria escaped once more, Despodov sent through and putting his and their second shot wide and yet the initial instance the away team had a shot on target it was at the wrong end, Atanas Chernev turning into his team's goal. Still it was not completely finished, Merino fouled in the legs and allowing to let Oyarzabal smash in the ninety-ninth goal of De la Fuente's ongoing reign.