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It all commenced in Scottish soil and this impressive streak persists. That memorable night at Hampden represented only Luis de la Fuente's second as Spain's manager; many believed it could prove to be his last match in charge. Although a pair of Scott McTominay goals overcoming the Spanish national team, whereas virtually everyone expected his tenure would be short-lived, the coach talked about a route emerging - and remarkably, the manager once accused of living in Disneyland proved correct.

Three years and four days, Spain moved to within touching distance of World Cup participation, while simultaneously racking up their twenty-ninth consecutive competitive game without defeat, equaling the historic record.

Pedri's Influence and Decisive Contribution

On a night when the Barcelona midfielder played and Mikel Merino created the decisive impact, Spain overcame Bulgaria 4-0 to accumulate 12 points from twelve in World Cup qualification, edging closer. The Gunners' playmaker and occasional forward scored the first two goals and could have earned his second consecutive hat-trick in three recent Spain matches but after fouled in the closing minute, he generously handed the penalty to Mikel Oyarzabal instead.

Thus it was La Real striker, scorer of the winning goal in the Euro 2024 showpiece, who continued the impressive sequence, equaling what Vicente del Bosque's golden generation achieved between 2010 and 2013.

Record Equaled

Currently, you might have noticed the asterisk, and rightly so. Although FIFA may not count it as a loss, during this remarkable run Spain did lose once – seven-five on penalties to Portugal in the continental tournament 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 record will be exclusively theirs. En route they won the Nations League in 2023, the European Championships in 2024 and reached a Nations League final in 2025; they head toward 2026 sitting No. 1, among the frontrunners once more, reminiscent of previous eras.

Complete Domination

This was "only" against Bulgaria, admittedly, similar to previous matches against Georgia, Bulgaria, and Turkey but that's four wins from four outings, aggregate score 15-0. There were two moments immediately after La Selección scored their opening goals – the third being an own goal – but eventually their rivals had not been allowed a single shot on target.

Overall statistics showed: thirty-three to three, Spain clearly being Spain. Bulgaria's coach had admitted the only objective his team could have was to resist as long as possible. Ultimately, that resistance lasted 33 minutes, and Merino's header represented Spain's eighteenth attempt on target by that point.

Midfield Brilliance

This performance was about all of them, but at the heart of it was Pedri, ubiquitous and elusive simultaneously: present for Spain, nowhere for Bulgaria, incapable to detect him as he darted through their defense. He executed one hundred and one passes by the time he was withdrawn to a rapturous applause on 66 minutes, and his were the moments of utmost subtlety, the most exquisite touches and the most incisive as well.

When the José Zorrilla sang his name during the opening period, he had just drifted unmarked into the area once more, chipping his shot over Svetoslav Vutsov and onto the woodwork, but it was not only that. He had already floated a magnificent pass into Álex Baena to strike wide and delivered an additional back from which Baena was blocked.

Sustained Attack

An cleverly weighted pass had created opportunity for Samu Aghehowa up for what should have been the first goal, and a precise lay-off saw Oyarzabal scuff his attempt. He got a chance of his own only to fail to find a proper connection, striking wide.

But then, shortly after, he delivered an additional ball in. This time Robin Le Normand nodded across and Merino headed in. Spain, who had eighty-eight percent of the possession, now had the advantage. The positioning chart appeared like they had exhausted supply of marking paint midway through and a moment later Aghehowa might have made it two.

Brief Resistance

But then in part it's the unpredictability, even the injustice, that makes football great. And the initial occasion Bulgaria got into Spain's half they might have leveled the score, Kiril Despodov suddenly sprinting away and striking the outside of the net.

Introduced for Aghehowa at the half-time, Borja Iglesias had three chances in as many minutes before Merino scored once more. The cross from the left was superb from Álex Grimaldo and there, jumping above everyone, was Merino to direct the header down and dash off to celebrate round the flagpost.

Final Moments

Similar to their reaction after the first goal, Bulgaria survived once more, Despodov played through and putting his and their following shot wide and yet the initial instance the visitors had a shot on target it was at the incorrect goal, Atanas Chernev turning into his own net. Yet it was not completely finished, Merino kicked in the legs and stepping aside to let Oyarzabal blast in the 99th goal of De la Fuente's continuing reign.