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It all began in Scottish soil and this impressive streak continues. That fateful night at Hampden represented only Luis de la Fuente's second outing as Spain's manager; numerous observers thought it could prove to be his final assignment. Despite a pair of Scott McTominay goals defeating the Spanish national team, while almost all spectators expected his tenure would be brief, the coach spoke about a pathway opening - and interestingly, the manager previously criticized of being unrealistic proved correct.

Three years and four days, Spain advanced to within touching distance of World Cup qualification, and also achieving their twenty-ninth consecutive official game without defeat, equaling the legendary record.

Pedri's Influence and Decisive Contribution

During an evening when Pedri played and Mikel Merino made the difference, Spain overcame Bulgaria four-nil to accumulate a perfect dozen from twelve in World Cup qualification, edging closer. The Arsenal playmaker and sometime striker netted the opening two goals and might have earned his second consecutive hat-trick in three recent Spain matches but when fouled in the closing minute, he generously handed the spot-kick to Mikel Oyarzabal instead.

Thus it was the Real Sociedad attacker, scorer of the winning goal in the European Championship showpiece, who continued the impressive sequence, equaling what Vicente del Bosque's golden generation accomplished between 2010 and 2013.

Record Equaled

Now, you might have noticed the asterisk, and correctly so. While FIFA might not classify it as a defeat, during this impressive run Spain did lose once – 7-5 on penalties to Portugal in the continental tournament decider back in June. Yet officially at least, this current team has matched that historic team against which all Spanish national teams are measured.

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 head toward 2026 sitting No. 1, among the favorites once more, reminiscent of old times.

Complete Domination

The match represented "only" against Bulgaria, admittedly, similar to previous matches against Georgia, Bulgaria, and Turkey but that's four victories from four outings, aggregate score fifteen-zero. There were two moments immediately after La Selección obtained their first two goals – the third strike being an self-inflicted – but ultimately their rivals had not been allowed a single shot on target.

The total count read: 33-3, Spain clearly being Spain. Bulgaria's coach had confessed 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 represented Spain's eighteenth attempt on target by that point.

Pedri's Masterclass

This performance was about all of them, but at the heart of it was Pedri, ubiquitous and elusive at once: everywhere for Spain, absent for Bulgaria, incapable to track him as he flitted through their defense. He completed 101 passes by the time he was substituted to a standing ovation on 66 minutes, and his were the moments of greatest subtlety, the most exquisite touches and the most incisive too.

When the Valladolid stadium sang his name midway the opening period, he had just drifted unmarked into the penalty box again, chipping his shot over Svetoslav Vutsov and onto the woodwork, but it was not only that. He had already floated a gorgeous pass into Álex Baena to strike wide and delivered another pass from which Baena was blocked.

Continued Pressure

A disguised delivery had created opportunity for Samu Aghehowa up for what should have been the first goal, and a neat lay-off saw Oyarzabal mishit his attempt. He got a opportunity of his own only to fail to find a proper contact, striking wide.

But then, almost immediately after, he floated another ball in. This time Robin Le Normand headed across and Merino headed in. Spain, who had eighty-eight percent of the ball, then had the advantage. The heat map appeared like they had exhausted supply of spray paint midway through and a moment later Aghehowa could have made it two-nil.

Brief Resistance

But then in part it's the uncertainty, even the injustice, that makes football great. And the initial occasion Bulgaria got into Spain's half they could have leveled the score, Kiril Despodov abruptly breaking away and striking the outside of the net.

Brought on for Aghehowa at the break, Borja Iglesias had three chances in as many minutes before Merino did it once more. The cross from the left was superb from Álex Grimaldo and there, jumping above everyone, was Merino to power the header down and sprint to celebrate around the corner flag.

Closing Stages

Similar to their reaction after the opener, Bulgaria survived again, Despodov played through and sending his and their following shot wide and nevertheless the initial instance the visitors had a shot on target it was at the wrong end, Atanas Chernev turning into his own net. Still it was not completely done, Merino fouled in the legs and allowing to let Oyarzabal smash in the 99th goal of De la Fuente's continuing reign.