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It all commenced in Scottish soil and this impressive streak persists. That memorable evening at Hampden marked merely Luis de la Fuente's second outing as Spain's manager; numerous observers thought it might turn out to be his final match in charge. Despite two Scott McTominay goals defeating La Furia Roja, whereas almost all spectators anticipated his spell would be short-lived, the coach spoke about a pathway emerging - and interestingly, the man once accused of living in Disneyland proved right.

36 months and four days, Spain moved to within touching distance of global football participation, and also racking up their 29th consecutive official game unbeaten, equaling the legendary record.

Pedri's Influence and Decisive Contribution

On a night when the Barcelona midfielder featured and Mikel Merino created the difference, Spain overcame Bulgaria 4-0 to accumulate a perfect dozen from 12 in qualifying, nearing advancement. The Arsenal midfielder and sometime forward scored the opening two goals and might have secured his second three-goal haul in three Spain matches but when brought down in the closing minute, he selflessly passed the spot-kick to Mikel Oyarzabal instead.

Therefore it was La Real striker, goal-getter of the decisive goal in the Euro 2024 showpiece, who maintained the remarkable sequence, equaling what Vicente del Bosque's golden generation achieved between 2010 and 2013.

Historic Achievement

Now, readers may have observed the symbol, and rightly so. While FIFA may not classify it as a loss, during this impressive run Spain actually suffer defeat once – 7-5 on penalties to Portugal in the Nations League final back in June. Yet officially at least, this current team has matched that historic team against which all Spanish national teams are compared.

Victory in Georgia in a month and the record will be theirs alone. En route 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 ranked number one, among the frontrunners once more, reminiscent of previous eras.

Total Control

The match represented "only" against Bulgaria, it is true, just as previous encounters against Georgia, Bulgaria, and Turkey but that's four victories from four, aggregate score 15-0. Occurred two instances immediately after La Selección scored their opening goals – the third strike being an self-inflicted – but eventually their opponents had not been allowed a single shot on target.

The total count read: thirty-three to three, Spain clearly playing as Spain. Bulgaria's coach had admitted the only objective his team could have was to hold out as long as possible. Ultimately, that resistance lasted 33 minutes, and Merino's header represented Spain's 18th attempt on target by that point.

Midfield Brilliance

The display was about the entire team, but at the core of it was Pedri, ubiquitous and elusive simultaneously: everywhere for Spain, absent for Bulgaria, unable to track him as he darted through their defense. He executed 101 passes by the time he was substituted to a rapturous applause on 66 minutes, and his were the instances of greatest subtlety, the most exquisite touches and the most incisive too.

When the Valladolid stadium chanted his name midway the first half, he had just slipped unnoticed into the area once more, chipping his shot over Svetoslav Vutsov and onto the woodwork, but it was not only that. He had already lifted a magnificent pass into Álex Baena to volley wide and delivered another back 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 neat lay-off saw Oyarzabal scuff his attempt. He got a chance of his own only to be unable to find a proper connection, volleying wide.

But then, almost immediately after, he floated another ball in. This time Robin Le Normand nodded across and Merino headed in. Spain, who had 88% of the possession, now had the lead. The positioning chart appeared like they had run out of marking paint half way through and a moment later Aghehowa could have made it two.

Momentary Threat

But then in part it's the unpredictability, even the injustice, that makes football special. And the first time Bulgaria advanced into Spain's half they might have equalized, Kiril Despodov abruptly sprinting away and hitting the outside of the net.

Brought on for Aghehowa at the half-time, Borja Iglesias had three opportunities in as many minutes before Merino scored again. The cross from the left was excellent from Álex Grimaldo and there, jumping above everyone, was Merino to power the header down and sprint to celebrate round the flagpost.

Final Moments

Similar to their reaction after the first goal, Bulgaria survived once more, Despodov sent through and putting his and their following shot wide and yet 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. Still it was not quite done, Merino fouled in the legs and allowing to let Oyarzabal smash in the 99th goal of De la Fuente's ongoing reign.