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Everything commenced in Scotland and the momentum continues. That fateful night at Hampden represented 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, while almost all spectators expected his spell would be short-lived, De la Fuente talked about a pathway emerging - and remarkably, the manager once accused of being unrealistic turned out right.

Three years and later, Spain moved to within touching distance of global football participation, and also racking up their twenty-ninth consecutive official game without defeat, equaling the historic record.

Pedri's Influence and Merino's Impact

On a night when the Barcelona midfielder featured and Mikel Merino created the difference, Spain overcame Bulgaria four-nil to accumulate 12 points from 12 in qualifying, nearing advancement. The Arsenal playmaker and occasional forward scored the first two goals and might have secured his second consecutive three-goal haul in three Spain appearances but after fouled in the closing minute, he generously handed the spot-kick to Mikel Oyarzabal instead.

Thus it was La Real attacker, goal-getter of the winning goal in the Euro 2024 showpiece, who continued the impressive sequence, matching what Vicente del Bosque's golden generation achieved between 2010 and 2013.

Record Equaled

Now, readers may have observed the asterisk, and correctly so. While FIFA may not count it as a defeat, during this impressive run Spain actually lose once – seven-five on penalties to Portugal in the Nations League final back in June. However officially at least, this current team has matched that legendary team against which all Spanish sides are measured.

Victory in Georgia in thirty days 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 approach 2026 sitting No. 1, among the frontrunners once more, reminiscent of old times.

Complete Domination

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

Overall count read: thirty-three to three, Spain clearly being Spain. Bulgaria's coach had admitted the only objective his team could have was to hold out as long as possible. As it turned out, that resistance lasted thirty-three minutes, and Merino's header constituted 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: everywhere for Spain, absent for Bulgaria, unable to track him as he darted through their lines. He completed one hundred and one passes by the time he was substituted to a standing ovation on 66 minutes, and his were the instances of greatest subtlety, the most exquisite touches and the sharpest too.

When the José Zorrilla chanted 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 woodwork, but it was not only that. He had previously floated a gorgeous pass into Álex Baena to strike wide and delivered an additional pass from which Baena was denied.

Sustained Attack

An cleverly weighted pass had set Samu Aghehowa up for what ought to have been the first goal, and a neat pass saw Oyarzabal scuff his shot. He got a opportunity of his own only to be unable to find a clean connection, striking wide.

But then, shortly after, he floated an additional ball in. This time Robin Le Normand nodded across and Merino directed in. Spain, who had 88% of the ball, now had the lead. The positioning chart appeared like they had exhausted supply of spray paint midway through and a moment later Aghehowa might have made it two-nil.

Brief Resistance

But then in part it's the uncertainty, even the unfairness, that makes football great. And the first time Bulgaria got into Spain's territory they might have leveled the score, Kiril Despodov abruptly breaking away and striking the side-netting.

Introduced for Aghehowa at the half-time, Borja Iglesias had three opportunities in as many minutes before Merino did it once more. The cross from the left was superb from Álex Grimaldo and there, jumping above all defenders, was Merino to direct the header down and dash off to celebrate round the flagpost.

Closing Stages

Similar to their reaction after the opener, Bulgaria survived again, Despodov sent through and sending his and their second shot wide and nevertheless the initial instance the visitors had a shot on target it was at the incorrect goal, 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 ninety-ninth goal of De la Fuente's continuing reign.