🔗 Share this article

Everything began in Scotland and this impressive streak continues. That fateful night at Hampden marked merely Luis de la Fuente's second outing as Spain's head coach; numerous observers thought it could turn out to be his last match in charge. Despite two Scott McTominay goals overcoming the Spanish national team, while virtually everyone expected his spell would be brief, the coach spoke about a route opening - and interestingly, the man once accused of being unrealistic proved correct.

Three years and later, Spain moved extremely close of World Cup participation, and also racking up their twenty-ninth straight competitive game unbeaten, equaling the legendary record.

Midfield Masterclass and Merino's Impact

On a night when the Barcelona midfielder played and Mikel Merino made the difference, Spain defeated Bulgaria four-nil to secure a perfect dozen from 12 in qualifying, edging closer. The Arsenal midfielder and sometime striker netted the opening two goals and might have earned his second consecutive hat-trick 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, goal-getter of the decisive goal in the Euro 2024 showpiece, who continued the impressive sequence, matching what Vicente del Bosque's golden generation achieved between 2010 and 2013.

Historic Achievement

Currently, readers may have observed the asterisk, and correctly so. While FIFA may not count it as a defeat, during this impressive run Spain actually suffer defeat once – 7-5 on penalties to Portugal in the continental tournament decider back in June. Yet 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 record will be exclusively theirs. Along the way they won 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 favorites once more, just like old times.

Complete Domination

The match represented "only" against Bulgaria, admittedly, similar to previous encounters against Georgia, Bulgaria, and Turkey but that's four victories from four, combined score 15-0. There were two instances immediately after La Selección scored their first two goals – the third being an own goal – but eventually their opponents had not been allowed a solitary shot on target.

The total count read: 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 possible. As it turned out, that defensive effort lasted thirty-three minutes, and Merino's header constituted Spain's 18th attempt on target already.

Pedri's Masterclass

The display was about the entire team, but at the core of it was Pedri, everywhere and elusive at once: present for Spain, absent for Bulgaria, incapable to track him as he darted through their lines. He completed 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 sharpest as well.

When the José Zorrilla sang his name during the first half, he had just slipped unnoticed into the penalty box once more, dinking his shot over Svetoslav Vutsov and onto the crossbar, but it was not just that. He had previously floated a gorgeous pass into Álex Baena to volley wide and delivered another pass from which Baena was denied.

Continued Pressure

A disguised pass had created opportunity for Samu Aghehowa up for what should have been the first goal, and a neat pass saw Oyarzabal scuff his attempt. He got a opportunity of his own only to be unable to find a proper connection, volleying wide.

But then, shortly after, he floated an additional ball in. This time Robin Le Normand nodded across and Merino headed in. Spain, who had eighty-eight percent of the possession, now had the lead. The heat map looked like they had exhausted supply of marking paint midway through and a moment later Aghehowa might have made it two-nil.

Brief Resistance

But then in part it's the uncertainty, even the unfairness, that makes football special. And the initial occasion Bulgaria advanced into Spain's half they could have leveled the score, Kiril Despodov abruptly sprinting away and hitting the outside of the net.

Introduced for Aghehowa at the half-time, Borja Iglesias had multiple opportunities in as many minutes before Merino did it once more. The delivery from the left was superb from Álex Grimaldo and there, leaping above everyone, was Merino to power the header down and sprint to do laps round the flagpost.

Closing Stages

Similar to their reaction after the first goal, Bulgaria escaped again, Despodov sent through and sending his and their second shot wide and nevertheless the initial instance the visitors had a shot on target it was at the wrong end, Atanas Chernev deflecting into his team's goal. Yet it was not quite finished, Merino kicked in the legs and stepping aside to let Oyarzabal smash in the 99th goal of De la Fuente's continuing reign.