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Everything started in Scottish soil and the momentum continues. That fateful night at Hampden represented only Luis de la Fuente's second outing 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 virtually everyone anticipated his tenure would be short-lived, De la Fuente spoke about a route emerging - and remarkably, the manager previously criticized of being unrealistic proved right.

Three years and four days, Spain advanced to within touching distance of World Cup participation, and also racking up their twenty-ninth consecutive official game unbeaten, matching the historic record.

Pedri's Influence and Decisive Contribution

On a night when the Barcelona midfielder featured and Mikel Merino created the difference, Spain overcame Bulgaria 4-0 to secure a perfect dozen from twelve in World Cup qualification, edging closer. The Gunners' playmaker and occasional striker netted the first two goals and might have earned his second hat-trick in three Spain matches but after brought down in the final minute, he generously handed the penalty to Mikel Oyarzabal instead.

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

Record Equaled

Now, you might have noticed the asterisk, and correctly so. While FIFA might not classify it as a loss, during this impressive run Spain did lose once – seven-five on penalties to Portugal in the continental tournament final back in June. However formally at least, this present team has equaled that legendary team against which all Spanish national teams are measured.

Victory in Georgia in thirty days and the achievement will be theirs alone. En route 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 No. 1, among the frontrunners once more, just like previous eras.

Total Control

The match represented "only" versus Bulgaria, it is true, similar to previous encounters against Georgia, Bulgaria, and Turkey but that's four victories from four, combined score fifteen-zero. There were two instances immediately after La Selección obtained their opening goals – the third strike being an self-inflicted – but eventually their opponents had not been permitted a solitary shot on target.

The total 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 they could. As it turned out, that resistance lasted 33 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 simultaneously: everywhere for Spain, nowhere for Bulgaria, unable to track him as he flitted through their defense. He executed one hundred and one passes by the time he was substituted 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 opening period, he had just drifted 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 lifted a gorgeous pass into Álex Baena to strike wide and delivered an additional back from which Baena was denied.

Sustained Attack

An cleverly weighted pass had created opportunity for Samu Aghehowa up for what should have been the opener, and a neat lay-off saw Oyarzabal mishit his attempt. He got a opportunity of his own only to fail to find a clean contact, volleying wide.

But then, almost immediately after, he delivered 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 positioning chart looked like they had exhausted supply of spray paint half way through and a moment later Aghehowa could 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 advanced into Spain's territory they might have leveled the score, Kiril Despodov abruptly sprinting away and striking the side-netting.

Introduced for Aghehowa at the half-time, Borja Iglesias had multiple opportunities in as many minutes before Merino did it once more. The cross from the left flank was excellent from Álex Grimaldo and there, jumping above all defenders, was Merino to power the header down and dash off to do laps around the flagpost.

Final Moments

As they had after the opener, Bulgaria escaped once more, Despodov sent through and putting his and their second shot wide and nevertheless the initial instance the visitors had a shot on target it was at the wrong end, Atanas Chernev deflecting into his own net. Yet it was not quite finished, Merino fouled in the legs and stepping aside to let Oyarzabal blast in the 99th goal of De la Fuente's continuing reign.