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It all began in Scottish soil and the momentum persists. That memorable evening at Hampden represented 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 overcoming the Spanish national team, whereas virtually everyone anticipated his spell would be brief, De la Fuente spoke about a route opening - and remarkably, the man once accused of being unrealistic turned out correct.

36 months and later, Spain moved to within touching distance of World Cup participation, while simultaneously achieving their twenty-ninth consecutive competitive game unbeaten, equaling the historic record.

Midfield Masterclass and Decisive Contribution

On a night when Pedri played and Mikel Merino made the difference, Spain overcame Bulgaria four-nil to secure a perfect dozen from 12 in World Cup qualification, edging closer. The Gunners' playmaker and occasional striker netted the first two goals and could have earned his second consecutive three-goal haul in three recent Spain appearances but when brought down in the closing minute, he selflessly passed the penalty to Mikel Oyarzabal instead.

Thus it was La Real attacker, goal-getter of the decisive goal in the European Championship final, who continued the remarkable sequence, matching what Vicente del Bosque's golden generation accomplished between 2010 and 2013.

Record Equaled

Now, readers may have observed the asterisk, and rightly so. While FIFA may not classify it as a defeat, during this remarkable run Spain actually lose once – seven-five on penalties to Portugal in the continental tournament final back in June. Yet officially at least, this present team has equaled that legendary team against which all Spanish sides are compared.

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 approach 2026 sitting number one, among the frontrunners once more, reminiscent of previous eras.

Total Control

The match represented "only" against Bulgaria, admittedly, just as previous encounters against Georgia, Bulgaria, and Turkey but that's four wins from four, combined score 15-0. Occurred two moments immediately after the Spanish team obtained their first two goals – the third being an own goal – but ultimately their opponents had not been allowed a single shot on target.

The total count read: 33-3, Spain clearly being Spain. Bulgaria's coach had admitted the sole objective his team could have was to hold out as long as possible. Ultimately, that defensive effort lasted thirty-three minutes, and Merino's header constituted Spain's 18th attempt on target by that point.

Midfield Brilliance

This performance was about all of them, but at the core of it was Pedri, ubiquitous and elusive at once: everywhere for Spain, absent for Bulgaria, unable to detect him as he darted through their lines. He executed 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 finest touches and the sharpest too.

When the Valladolid stadium chanted his name during the opening period, he had just drifted unmarked into the penalty box once more, chipping his shot over Svetoslav Vutsov and onto the woodwork, but it was not just that. He had previously lifted a magnificent pass into Álex Baena to strike wide and pulled another pass from which Baena was denied.

Continued Pressure

An cleverly weighted pass had set Samu Aghehowa up for what should have been the opener, and a precise lay-off saw Oyarzabal scuff his attempt. He got a opportunity of his own only to be unable to find a clean contact, striking wide.

But then, shortly after, he delivered another ball in. This time Robin Le Normand headed 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 midway through and a little later Aghehowa could have made it two-nil.

Momentary Threat

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

Introduced for Aghehowa at the half-time, Borja Iglesias had three chances in as many minutes before Merino scored again. The delivery from the left flank was superb from Álex Grimaldo and there, leaping above all defenders, was Merino to direct the header downward and sprint to do laps around the corner flag.

Closing Stages

As they had after the opener, Bulgaria survived once more, Despodov played through and putting his and their second shot wide and nevertheless the initial instance the away team had a shot on target it was at the incorrect goal, Atanas Chernev turning into his own net. Still it was not quite done, Merino fouled in the legs and stepping aside to let Oyarzabal smash in the 99th goal of De la Fuente's continuing reign.