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Everything commenced in Scottish soil and this impressive streak continues. That fateful night at Hampden represented merely Luis de la Fuente's second as Spain's manager; numerous observers thought it might turn out to be his final assignment. Despite two Scott McTominay goals defeating La Furia Roja, while almost all spectators anticipated his tenure would be brief, De la Fuente spoke about a route emerging - and interestingly, the manager once accused of being unrealistic proved correct.

36 months and four days, Spain moved to within touching distance of global football qualification, while simultaneously achieving their twenty-ninth consecutive official game unbeaten, matching the historic record.

Midfield Masterclass and Decisive Contribution

During an evening when the Barcelona midfielder played and Mikel Merino made the difference, Spain overcame Bulgaria four-nil to accumulate a perfect dozen from 12 in World Cup qualification, nearing advancement. The Arsenal midfielder and occasional striker netted the opening two goals and could have secured his second three-goal haul in three Spain matches but when fouled in the final minute, he selflessly passed the penalty to Mikel Oyarzabal instead.

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

Historic Achievement

Currently, you might have noticed the symbol, and rightly so. While FIFA may not count it as a loss, during this remarkable run Spain did suffer defeat once – seven-five on penalties to Portugal in the continental tournament decider back in June. However officially at least, this current team has matched that historic squad against which all Spanish sides are compared.

Victory in Georgia in a month and the achievement will be theirs alone. Along the way they won the Nations League in 2023, the European Championships in 2024 and reached a Nations League final in 2025; they head toward 2026 ranked No. 1, among the frontrunners once more, just like old times.

Total Control

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

The total count showed: thirty-three to three, Spain clearly being Spain. Bulgaria's coach had admitted the sole objective his team could have was to resist as long as possible. Ultimately, that defensive effort lasted thirty-three minutes, and Merino's header constituted Spain's 18th attempt on target by that point.

Pedri's Masterclass

The display was about the entire team, but at the core of it was Pedri, ubiquitous and nowhere simultaneously: everywhere for Spain, absent for Bulgaria, incapable to track him as he flitted through their lines. He executed 101 passes by the time he was substituted to a standing ovation on 66 minutes, and his were the moments of greatest subtlety, the finest touches and the most incisive too.

When the Valladolid stadium chanted his name midway the first half, he had just slipped unmarked into the penalty box again, chipping his shot over Svetoslav Vutsov and onto the crossbar, but it was not only that. He had already floated a gorgeous pass into Álex Baena to strike wide and pulled another pass from which Baena was denied.

Sustained Attack

A disguised pass had created opportunity for Samu Aghehowa up for what ought to have been the opener, and a neat pass saw Oyarzabal mishit his shot. He received a chance of his own only to be unable to find a clean contact, volleying wide.

But then, shortly after, he floated another ball in. This time Robin Le Normand nodded across and Merino headed in. Spain, who had 88% of the possession, then had the advantage. The positioning chart looked like they had run out 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 great. And the first time Bulgaria advanced into Spain's territory they could have equalized, Kiril Despodov suddenly sprinting away and striking the side-netting.

Brought on for Aghehowa at the break, Borja Iglesias had three opportunities in as many minutes before Merino scored again. The cross from the left was excellent from Álex Grimaldo and there, jumping above all defenders, was Merino to power the header downward and dash off to celebrate round the flagpost.

Closing Stages

As they had after the first goal, Bulgaria survived again, Despodov played through and sending his and their second shot wide and yet the initial instance the visitors had a shot on target it was at the wrong end, Atanas Chernev deflecting into his own net. Still it was not completely finished, Merino fouled in the legs and stepping aside to let Oyarzabal smash in the 99th goal of De la Fuente's continuing reign.