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It all started in Scottish soil and the momentum remains unbroken. That memorable evening at Hampden marked merely Luis de la Fuente's second outing as Spain's manager; numerous observers thought it could prove to be his final match in charge. Although two Scott McTominay goals defeating La Furia Roja, whereas almost all spectators anticipated his spell would be short-lived, De la Fuente talked about a pathway emerging - and interestingly, the manager previously criticized of being unrealistic turned out right.

Three years and four days, Spain moved extremely close of World Cup participation, and also achieving their twenty-ninth straight official game without defeat, equaling the historic record.

Midfield Masterclass and Decisive Contribution

On a night when the Barcelona midfielder played and Mikel Merino made the difference, Spain overcame Bulgaria 4-0 to secure a perfect dozen from twelve in World Cup qualification, nearing advancement. The Gunners' playmaker and sometime striker scored the first two goals and could have earned his second three-goal haul in three Spain matches but when brought down in the closing minute, he selflessly passed the spot-kick to Mikel Oyarzabal instead.

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

Historic Achievement

Now, readers may have noticed the symbol, and correctly so. Although FIFA might not classify it as a defeat, during this impressive run Spain did suffer defeat once – seven-five on penalties to Portugal in the continental tournament decider back in June. Yet formally at least, this current team has equaled that historic team against which all Spanish national teams are measured.

Victory in Georgia in thirty days and the record 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 head toward 2026 ranked number one, among the favorites once more, reminiscent of previous eras.

Complete Domination

This was "only" versus Bulgaria, it is true, similar to previous matches against Georgia, Bulgaria, and Turkey but that's four wins from four outings, combined score fifteen-zero. Occurred two instances immediately after La Selección obtained their opening goals – the third strike being an self-inflicted – but eventually their opponents had not been allowed a solitary shot on target.

Overall count read: thirty-three to three, Spain demonstrably being Spain. Bulgaria's coach had confessed the sole objective his team could have was to hold out as long as they could. As it turned out, that defensive effort lasted thirty-three 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, everywhere and nowhere simultaneously: everywhere for Spain, absent for Bulgaria, incapable to track him as he darted through their defense. He executed one hundred and one passes by the time he was substituted to a rapturous applause on the sixty-sixth minute, and his were the instances of greatest 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, dinking his shot over Svetoslav Vutsov and onto the woodwork, but it was not just that. He had already lifted a gorgeous pass into Álex Baena to volley wide and delivered an additional back from which Baena was blocked.

Continued Pressure

A disguised pass had set Samu Aghehowa up for what ought to have been the first goal, and a neat pass saw Oyarzabal mishit his attempt. He received a opportunity of his own only to be unable to find a clean contact, striking wide.

But then, shortly after, he floated another ball in. This time Robin Le Normand nodded across and Merino directed in. Spain, who had 88% of the ball, then had the advantage. The heat map looked 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 unpredictability, even the unfairness, that makes football great. And the first time Bulgaria advanced into Spain's territory they could have leveled the score, Kiril Despodov abruptly sprinting away and hitting the outside of the net.

Brought on for Aghehowa at the half-time, Borja Iglesias had three chances in as many minutes before Merino did it again. The delivery from the left flank was excellent from Álex Grimaldo and there, jumping above everyone, was Merino to power the header downward and dash off to celebrate round the corner flag.

Final Moments

As they had after the opener, Bulgaria escaped again, Despodov played through and putting his and their second shot wide and nevertheless the initial instance the away team had a shot on target it was at the wrong end, Atanas Chernev deflecting into his team's goal. Still it was not completely finished, Merino kicked in the shins and stepping aside to let Oyarzabal blast in the 99th goal of De la Fuente's ongoing reign.