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Everything started in Scotland and this impressive streak continues. That fateful evening at Hampden represented merely Luis de la Fuente's second outing as Spain's head coach; many believed it might turn out to be his last match in charge. Although a pair of Scott McTominay goals overcoming the Spanish national team, whereas almost all spectators anticipated his spell would be short-lived, the coach talked about a pathway emerging - and interestingly, the manager previously criticized of living in Disneyland proved right.

Three years and later, Spain moved to within touching distance of global football participation, while simultaneously achieving their 29th consecutive official game without defeat, equaling the historic record.

Midfield Masterclass and Merino's Impact

During an evening when the Barcelona midfielder played and Mikel Merino made the decisive impact, Spain overcame Bulgaria 4-0 to accumulate a perfect dozen from 12 in World Cup qualification, edging closer. The Arsenal midfielder and occasional striker scored the opening two goals and might have secured his second three-goal haul in three Spain matches but when fouled in the closing minute, he selflessly passed the spot-kick to Mikel Oyarzabal instead.

Thus it was the Real Sociedad striker, scorer of the decisive goal in the Euro 2024 final, who maintained the remarkable sequence, equaling what Vicente del Bosque's golden generation achieved between 2010 and 2013.

Record Equaled

Currently, readers may have observed the asterisk, and correctly so. While FIFA may not classify it as a loss, during this impressive run Spain did suffer defeat once – seven-five on penalties to Portugal in the continental tournament final back in June. Yet formally at least, this current team has matched that legendary team against which all Spanish national teams are measured.

Win in Georgia in a month and the achievement 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 approach 2026 sitting number one, among the frontrunners once more, just like old times.

Total Control

This was "only" versus Bulgaria, admittedly, similar to previous encounters against Georgia, Bulgaria, and Turkey but that's four wins from four outings, combined score 15-0. There were two moments immediately after La Selección obtained their first two goals – the third being an own goal – but eventually their rivals had not been permitted a single shot on target.

The total statistics showed: thirty-three to three, Spain clearly playing as Spain. Bulgaria's coach had admitted the only objective his team could have was to resist as long as they could. As it turned out, that resistance lasted thirty-three minutes, and Merino's header represented Spain's eighteenth attempt on target already.

Pedri's Masterclass

This performance was about all of them, but at the core of it was Pedri, everywhere and elusive simultaneously: present for Spain, absent for Bulgaria, unable to track him as he flitted through their lines. He completed 101 passes by the time he was withdrawn to a rapturous applause on 66 minutes, and his were the instances of utmost subtlety, the finest touches and the most incisive too.

When the José Zorrilla sang his name midway the first half, he had just drifted unnoticed into the penalty box once more, dinking his shot over Svetoslav Vutsov and onto the woodwork, but it was not only that. He had already lifted a gorgeous pass into Álex Baena to volley wide and pulled an additional pass from which Baena was denied.

Sustained Attack

An cleverly weighted delivery had created opportunity for Samu Aghehowa up for what ought to have been the opener, and a neat pass saw Oyarzabal mishit his shot. He got a chance of his own only to fail to find a proper connection, volleying wide.

But then, almost immediately after, he floated another ball in. This time Robin Le Normand headed across and Merino directed in. Spain, who had 88% of the ball, then had the advantage. The heat map appeared like they had exhausted supply of spray 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 unfairness, that makes football special. And the initial occasion Bulgaria advanced into Spain's territory they might have leveled the score, Kiril Despodov abruptly breaking away and striking the outside of the net.

Introduced for Aghehowa at the break, Borja Iglesias had multiple chances in as many minutes before Merino scored again. The cross from the left flank was excellent from Álex Grimaldo and there, leaping above all defenders, was Merino to direct the header downward and sprint to do laps around the flagpost.

Final Moments

As they had after the first goal, Bulgaria survived 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 team's goal. Still it was not quite finished, Merino fouled in the shins and stepping aside to let Oyarzabal blast in the 99th goal of De la Fuente's ongoing tenure.