🔗 Share this article

It all commenced in Scottish soil and this impressive streak persists. That memorable night at Hampden marked merely Luis de la Fuente's second outing as Spain's head coach; numerous observers thought it could prove to be his last match in charge. Despite two Scott McTominay goals defeating La Furia Roja, whereas virtually everyone expected his spell would be short-lived, the coach spoke about a pathway opening - and interestingly, the manager once accused of living in Disneyland proved right.

Three years and four days, Spain advanced to within touching distance of World Cup qualification, while simultaneously racking up their 29th straight official game without defeat, equaling the historic record.

Midfield Masterclass and Decisive Contribution

During an evening when Pedri featured and Mikel Merino made the difference, Spain overcame Bulgaria four-nil to accumulate 12 points from twelve in World Cup qualification, nearing advancement. The Gunners' midfielder and occasional forward scored the opening two goals and might have secured his second consecutive hat-trick in three recent Spain matches but when fouled in the final minute, he generously handed the penalty to Mikel Oyarzabal instead.

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

Historic Achievement

Currently, you might have observed the symbol, and rightly so. While FIFA may not count it as a loss, during this impressive run Spain did lose once – 7-5 on penalties to Portugal in the Nations League final back in June. However officially at least, this present team has matched that legendary squad against which all Spanish national teams are compared.

Win in Georgia in a month and the achievement will be theirs alone. En route they won the Nations League in 2023, the European Championships in 2024 and reached a Nations League final in 2025; they approach 2026 sitting No. 1, among the frontrunners once more, reminiscent of old times.

Total Control

This was "only" against Bulgaria, admittedly, similar to previous matches against Georgia, Bulgaria, and Turkey but that's four victories from four outings, combined score 15-0. Occurred two moments immediately after La Selección scored their first two goals – the third strike being an self-inflicted – but eventually their rivals had not been allowed a solitary shot on target.

Overall statistics showed: thirty-three to three, Spain demonstrably being Spain. Bulgaria's coach had admitted the sole objective his team could have was to hold out as long as they could. As it turned out, that resistance lasted thirty-three minutes, and Merino's header represented Spain's eighteenth attempt on target already.

Pedri's Masterclass

The display was about the entire team, but at the core of it was Pedri, ubiquitous and nowhere at once: present for Spain, absent for Bulgaria, unable to detect him as he darted through their lines. He completed 101 passes by the time he was substituted to a standing ovation on the sixty-sixth minute, and his were the instances of greatest subtlety, the most exquisite touches and the sharpest too.

When the Valladolid stadium chanted his name midway the first half, he had just slipped unnoticed into the penalty box once more, chipping his shot over Svetoslav Vutsov and onto the crossbar, but it was not just that. He had previously lifted a magnificent pass into Álex Baena to strike wide and delivered another pass from which Baena was denied.

Sustained Attack

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

But then, shortly 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, then had the lead. The heat map appeared like they had run out of spray paint midway through and a moment later Aghehowa could have made it two-nil.

Momentary Threat

But then in part it's the uncertainty, even the injustice, that makes football great. And the initial occasion Bulgaria got into Spain's territory they could have leveled the score, Kiril Despodov abruptly breaking away and hitting 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 flank was superb from Álex Grimaldo and there, jumping above all defenders, was Merino to direct the header downward and sprint to do laps round the flagpost.

Closing Stages

As they had after the opener, Bulgaria survived again, Despodov played through and sending his and their second shot wide and yet the first time the visitors had a shot on target it was at the incorrect goal, Atanas Chernev deflecting into his own net. Yet it was not quite finished, Merino kicked in the shins and stepping aside to let Oyarzabal smash in the ninety-ninth goal of De la Fuente's ongoing reign.