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It all started in Scottish soil and this impressive streak remains unbroken. That memorable evening at Hampden represented only Luis de la Fuente's second outing as Spain's manager; many believed it could turn out to be his final match in charge. Although two Scott McTominay goals defeating La Furia Roja, while virtually everyone anticipated his spell would be brief, the coach talked about a route opening - and interestingly, the manager previously criticized of living in Disneyland turned out right.

Three years and later, Spain advanced to within touching distance of global football qualification, while simultaneously achieving their 29th consecutive competitive game without defeat, matching the historic record.

Pedri's Influence and Decisive Contribution

On a night when Pedri played and Mikel Merino made the difference, Spain defeated Bulgaria 4-0 to secure 12 points from twelve in qualifying, nearing advancement. The Gunners' midfielder and sometime striker netted the first two goals and might have secured his second hat-trick in three Spain appearances but after fouled in the closing minute, he generously handed the penalty to Mikel Oyarzabal instead.

Thus it was La Real attacker, scorer of the winning goal in the European Championship final, who continued the impressive sequence, matching what Vicente del Bosque's legendary squad achieved between 2010 and 2013.

Record Equaled

Currently, readers may have noticed the symbol, and rightly so. Although FIFA might not classify it as a loss, during this impressive run Spain did suffer defeat once – 7-5 on penalties to Portugal in the Nations League decider back in June. Yet formally at least, this present team has matched that historic squad against which all Spanish national teams are measured.

Victory in Georgia in a month and the record will be theirs alone. Along the way 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 ranked No. 1, among the favorites once more, reminiscent of old times.

Total Control

The match represented "only" versus Bulgaria, admittedly, similar to previous matches against Georgia, Bulgaria, and Turkey but that's four victories from four, combined score fifteen-zero. There were two moments immediately after the Spanish team scored their opening goals – the third strike being an self-inflicted – but ultimately their rivals had not been allowed a solitary shot on target.

Overall count read: thirty-three to three, Spain clearly playing as Spain. Bulgaria's coach had confessed the only objective his team could have was to hold out as long as they could. As it turned out, that resistance lasted 33 minutes, and Merino's header constituted Spain's 18th attempt on target by that point.

Pedri's Masterclass

This performance was about the entire team, but at the heart of it was Pedri, ubiquitous and nowhere at once: everywhere for Spain, absent for Bulgaria, incapable 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 the sixty-sixth minute, and his were the moments of utmost subtlety, the finest touches and the most incisive as well.

When the José Zorrilla sang his name during the opening period, he had just drifted unnoticed into the penalty box once more, dinking his shot over Svetoslav Vutsov and onto the crossbar, but it was not only that. He had previously floated a gorgeous pass into Álex Baena to strike wide and delivered another pass from which Baena was blocked.

Sustained Attack

A disguised delivery had set Samu Aghehowa up for what ought to have been the first goal, and a precise pass saw Oyarzabal mishit his shot. He got a chance of his own only to fail to find a proper connection, striking wide.

But then, shortly after, he floated 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 exhausted supply of marking paint half way through and a moment later Aghehowa might have made it two.

Brief Resistance

But then in part it's the unpredictability, even the injustice, 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 side-netting.

Brought on for Aghehowa at the half-time, Borja Iglesias had three opportunities in as many minutes before Merino did it again. The cross from the left flank was superb from Álex Grimaldo and there, jumping above everyone, was Merino to power the header down and sprint to do laps around the corner flag.

Closing Stages

As they had after the opener, Bulgaria survived again, Despodov played through and putting his and their second shot wide and nevertheless the first time the visitors had a shot on target it was at the incorrect goal, Atanas Chernev turning into his team's goal. Yet it was not quite done, Merino kicked in the shins and allowing to let Oyarzabal blast in the 99th goal of De la Fuente's continuing tenure.