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Everything started in Scotland and the momentum remains unbroken. That memorable evening at Hampden represented only Luis de la Fuente's second outing as Spain's head coach; many believed it might prove to be his last match in charge. Although two Scott McTominay goals defeating La Furia Roja, while almost all spectators expected his tenure would be brief, the coach talked about a pathway emerging - and remarkably, the man once accused of being unrealistic proved correct.

36 months and later, Spain moved to within touching distance of World Cup qualification, and also racking up their 29th consecutive official game unbeaten, equaling the legendary record.

Pedri's Influence and Decisive Contribution

During an evening when Pedri played and Mikel Merino made the decisive impact, Spain defeated Bulgaria four-nil to accumulate a perfect dozen from twelve in World Cup qualification, nearing advancement. The Arsenal playmaker and sometime forward scored the opening two goals and could have secured his second consecutive three-goal haul in three recent Spain matches but after fouled in the final minute, he selflessly passed the penalty to Mikel Oyarzabal instead.

Thus it was La Real striker, scorer of the winning goal in the European Championship final, who maintained the impressive sequence, equaling what Vicente del Bosque's golden generation achieved between 2010 and 2013.

Record Equaled

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

Win 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 reached a Nations League final in 2025; they head toward 2026 ranked No. 1, among the favorites once more, just like previous eras.

Complete Domination

This was "only" versus Bulgaria, admittedly, just as previous encounters against Georgia, Bulgaria, and Turkey but that's four victories from four, combined score 15-0. Occurred two instances immediately after the Spanish team scored their opening goals – the third strike being an own goal – but eventually their opponents had not been allowed a single shot on target.

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

Midfield Brilliance

This performance was about the entire team, but at the core of it was Pedri, ubiquitous and nowhere at once: everywhere for Spain, nowhere for Bulgaria, incapable to track him as he darted through their defense. He completed 101 passes by the time he was withdrawn to a rapturous applause on 66 minutes, and his were the moments of greatest subtlety, the most exquisite touches and the most incisive too.

When the José Zorrilla sang his name during the first half, he had just slipped unmarked into the area again, chipping his shot over Svetoslav Vutsov and onto the woodwork, but it was not only that. He had previously lifted a gorgeous pass into Álex Baena to strike wide and pulled another back from which Baena was denied.

Sustained Attack

A disguised delivery had created opportunity for Samu Aghehowa up for what should have been the opener, and a neat lay-off saw Oyarzabal mishit his shot. He received a chance of his own only to fail to find a clean connection, volleying wide.

But then, shortly after, he floated another ball in. This time Robin Le Normand nodded across and Merino directed in. Spain, who had 88% of the possession, now had the advantage. The heat map appeared like they had exhausted supply of spray paint half way through and a little later Aghehowa might have made it two-nil.

Momentary Threat

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

Brought on for Aghehowa at the break, Borja Iglesias had multiple chances in as many minutes before Merino did it once more. The cross from the left was superb from Álex Grimaldo and there, leaping above everyone, was Merino to direct the header downward and dash off to celebrate round the corner flag.

Final Moments

Similar to their reaction after the first goal, Bulgaria escaped once more, Despodov sent through and sending his and their following shot wide and yet the initial instance the visitors had a shot on target it was at the wrong end, Atanas Chernev turning into his own net. Yet it was not quite done, Merino kicked in the shins and allowing to let Oyarzabal blast in the ninety-ninth goal of De la Fuente's ongoing reign.