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Everything started in Scottish soil and this impressive streak remains unbroken. That fateful evening at Hampden represented only Luis de la Fuente's second as Spain's manager; many believed it could turn out to be his final match in charge. Although two Scott McTominay goals defeating the Spanish national team, whereas almost all spectators anticipated his spell would be short-lived, De la Fuente spoke about a pathway emerging - and interestingly, the manager previously criticized of being unrealistic proved correct.

Three years and later, Spain moved extremely close of World Cup qualification, and also achieving their 29th consecutive official game without defeat, equaling the historic record.

Midfield Masterclass and Decisive Contribution

During an evening when the Barcelona midfielder played and Mikel Merino made the decisive impact, Spain defeated Bulgaria 4-0 to secure 12 points from twelve in World Cup qualification, edging closer. The Gunners' playmaker and occasional striker scored the opening two goals and might have earned his second consecutive hat-trick in three Spain appearances but when brought down in the closing minute, he selflessly passed the spot-kick to Mikel Oyarzabal instead.

Thus it was the Real Sociedad attacker, scorer of the winning goal in the Euro 2024 showpiece, who maintained 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 count it as a loss, during this impressive run Spain did lose once – 7-5 on penalties to Portugal in the continental tournament decider back in June. Yet formally at least, this present team has matched that historic team against which all Spanish national teams are measured.

Win in Georgia in a month and the record will be exclusively theirs. Along the way they captured 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 favorites once more, just like previous eras.

Total Control

This was "only" against Bulgaria, it is true, similar to previous encounters against Georgia, Bulgaria, and Turkey but that's four victories from four, aggregate score fifteen-zero. Occurred two moments immediately after the Spanish team obtained their opening goals – the third strike being an own goal – but ultimately their rivals had not been permitted a solitary shot on target.

The total statistics showed: 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 33 minutes, and Merino's header represented 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, ubiquitous and nowhere at once: present for Spain, absent for Bulgaria, unable to track him as he darted through their defense. He executed 101 passes by the time he was withdrawn to a standing ovation on 66 minutes, and his were the instances of utmost subtlety, the most exquisite touches and the sharpest too.

When the José Zorrilla chanted his name during the opening period, he had just drifted unnoticed into the penalty box again, chipping his shot over Svetoslav Vutsov and onto the woodwork, but it was not just that. He had previously floated a magnificent pass into Álex Baena to strike wide and pulled another pass from which Baena was blocked.

Continued Pressure

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

But then, almost immediately after, he floated an additional ball in. This time Robin Le Normand nodded across and Merino directed in. Spain, who had 88% of the possession, now had the advantage. The positioning chart appeared like they had exhausted supply of marking paint midway through and a little 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 first time Bulgaria got into Spain's territory 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 three chances in as many minutes before Merino did it again. The delivery from the left flank was excellent from Álex Grimaldo and there, jumping above all defenders, was Merino to power the header downward and sprint to celebrate round the flagpost.

Final Moments

As they had after the first goal, Bulgaria escaped again, Despodov sent through and sending his and their following shot wide and nevertheless the initial instance the away team 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 kicked in the shins and stepping aside to let Oyarzabal smash in the 99th goal of De la Fuente's ongoing reign.