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Everything commenced in Scotland and the momentum continues. That memorable 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 last assignment. Although two Scott McTominay goals defeating the Spanish national team, whereas almost all spectators expected his spell would be short-lived, De la Fuente spoke about a pathway opening - and remarkably, the manager previously criticized of living in Disneyland turned out correct.

Three years and four days, Spain advanced extremely close of global football qualification, while simultaneously racking up their twenty-ninth straight official game unbeaten, matching the legendary record.

Pedri's Influence and Decisive Contribution

On a night when the Barcelona midfielder played and Mikel Merino made the decisive impact, Spain defeated Bulgaria 4-0 to accumulate a perfect dozen from 12 in qualifying, edging closer. The Arsenal midfielder and sometime forward scored the opening two goals and could have earned his second three-goal haul in three Spain appearances but when brought down in the final minute, he selflessly passed the penalty to Mikel Oyarzabal instead.

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

Historic Achievement

Now, readers may have observed the asterisk, and correctly so. Although FIFA might not count it as a defeat, during this remarkable run Spain did lose once – 7-5 on penalties to Portugal in the continental tournament decider back in June. However formally at least, this present team has equaled that legendary squad against which all Spanish sides are measured.

Win in Georgia in thirty days and the achievement will be exclusively theirs. Along the way they captured 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 favorites once more, just like previous eras.

Total Control

This was "only" against Bulgaria, admittedly, similar to previous matches against Georgia, Bulgaria, and Turkey but that's four wins from four, aggregate score 15-0. There were two moments immediately after the Spanish team scored their opening goals – the third strike being an self-inflicted – but eventually their opponents had not been allowed a solitary shot on target.

Overall count showed: thirty-three to three, Spain clearly playing as Spain. Bulgaria's coach had admitted the sole objective his team could have was to hold out as long as possible. As it turned out, that defensive effort lasted thirty-three minutes, and Merino's header represented Spain's 18th attempt on target by that point.

Midfield Brilliance

This performance was about all of them, but at the heart of it was Pedri, everywhere and elusive simultaneously: present for Spain, absent for Bulgaria, unable to detect him as he flitted through their defense. He executed 101 passes by the time he was substituted to a rapturous applause on 66 minutes, and his were the moments of utmost subtlety, the most exquisite touches and the sharpest as well.

When the José Zorrilla sang his name midway the opening period, he had just slipped unmarked into the penalty box once more, chipping his shot over Svetoslav Vutsov and onto the crossbar, but it was not just that. He had already floated a gorgeous pass into Álex Baena to volley wide and pulled an additional back from which Baena was blocked.

Sustained Attack

A disguised delivery had set Samu Aghehowa up for what ought to have been the opener, and a neat pass saw Oyarzabal scuff his shot. He received a opportunity of his own only to fail to find a proper contact, striking wide.

But then, shortly after, he floated another ball in. This time Robin Le Normand headed across and Merino headed in. Spain, who had 88% of the ball, then had the advantage. The heat map appeared like they had run out of marking paint half way through and a little later Aghehowa could have made it two-nil.

Brief Resistance

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

Introduced for Aghehowa at the break, Borja Iglesias had multiple opportunities in as many minutes before Merino did it once more. The delivery from the left flank was excellent from Álex Grimaldo and there, jumping above everyone, was Merino to power the header down and dash off to do laps round the corner flag.

Closing Stages

As they had after the opener, Bulgaria escaped once more, Despodov played through and sending his and their following shot wide and nevertheless the initial instance the away team had a shot on target it was at the incorrect goal, Atanas Chernev deflecting into his team's goal. Yet it was not completely done, Merino kicked in the shins and allowing to let Oyarzabal blast in the 99th goal of De la Fuente's ongoing tenure.