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It all commenced in Scotland and the momentum remains unbroken. That memorable night at Hampden represented merely Luis de la Fuente's second as Spain's head coach; numerous observers thought it might prove to be his final match in charge. Although two Scott McTominay goals overcoming the Spanish national team, whereas almost all spectators expected his tenure would be short-lived, De la Fuente talked about a route opening - and interestingly, the man previously criticized of living in Disneyland turned out right.

Three years and four days, Spain advanced extremely close of global football participation, and also achieving their 29th straight official game without defeat, matching the historic record.

Pedri's Influence and Decisive Contribution

During an evening when Pedri played and Mikel Merino made the decisive impact, Spain defeated Bulgaria 4-0 to accumulate 12 points from twelve in World Cup qualification, edging closer. The Gunners' playmaker and sometime striker scored the first two goals and could have earned his second three-goal haul in three recent Spain appearances but after brought down in the final minute, he generously handed the spot-kick to Mikel Oyarzabal instead.

Thus it was the Real Sociedad striker, scorer of the decisive goal in the European Championship showpiece, who continued the remarkable sequence, matching what Vicente del Bosque's legendary squad accomplished between 2010 and 2013.

Historic Achievement

Currently, you might have observed the asterisk, and rightly so. Although FIFA may not classify it as a loss, during this remarkable run Spain actually lose once – 7-5 on penalties to Portugal in the continental tournament decider back in June. However formally at least, this current team has equaled that historic team against which all Spanish national teams are compared.

Victory in Georgia in a month and the record will be theirs alone. En route they captured the Nations League in 2023, the European Championships in 2024 and reached a Nations League final in 2025; they approach 2026 sitting number one, among the frontrunners once more, reminiscent of old times.

Complete Domination

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

The total count read: thirty-three to three, Spain demonstrably playing as 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 thirty-three minutes, and Merino's header represented Spain's eighteenth attempt on target already.

Midfield Brilliance

This performance was about the entire team, but at the heart of it was Pedri, everywhere and elusive at once: present for Spain, nowhere for Bulgaria, incapable to track him as he darted through their defense. He completed 101 passes by the time he was withdrawn to a standing ovation 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 first half, he had just slipped unmarked into the area once more, chipping his shot over Svetoslav Vutsov and onto the crossbar, but it was not just that. He had already lifted a magnificent pass into Álex Baena to strike wide and delivered another back from which Baena was blocked.

Sustained Attack

A disguised pass had created opportunity for Samu Aghehowa up for what should have been the first goal, and a precise pass saw Oyarzabal mishit his shot. He received a opportunity of his own only to be unable to find a proper contact, volleying wide.

But then, almost immediately after, he delivered another ball in. This time Robin Le Normand nodded across and Merino headed in. Spain, who had eighty-eight percent of the possession, then had the advantage. The heat map appeared like they had exhausted supply of marking paint midway through and a little later Aghehowa might have made it two-nil.

Brief Resistance

But then in part it's the unpredictability, even the injustice, that makes football special. And the first time Bulgaria got into Spain's half they could have equalized, Kiril Despodov abruptly sprinting away and hitting the outside of the net.

Introduced for Aghehowa at the half-time, Borja Iglesias had multiple chances in as many minutes before Merino scored again. The cross from the left was superb from Álex Grimaldo and there, jumping above all defenders, was Merino to direct the header downward and dash off to celebrate around the corner flag.

Final Moments

As they had after the opener, Bulgaria survived again, Despodov played through and putting 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 turning into his own net. Still it was not completely finished, Merino fouled in the shins and allowing to let Oyarzabal smash in the 99th goal of De la Fuente's continuing reign.