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It all started in Scottish soil and this impressive streak continues. That memorable evening at Hampden marked only Luis de la Fuente's second outing as Spain's head coach; numerous observers thought it could turn out to be his final assignment. Although two Scott McTominay goals defeating the Spanish national team, while virtually everyone anticipated his spell would be brief, the coach talked about a pathway emerging - and remarkably, the man once accused of being unrealistic proved right.

Three years and later, Spain advanced to within touching distance of global football qualification, and also racking up their 29th consecutive competitive game unbeaten, equaling the historic record.

Pedri's Influence and Decisive Contribution

On a night when Pedri featured and Mikel Merino made the decisive impact, Spain defeated Bulgaria 4-0 to secure 12 points from 12 in World Cup qualification, nearing advancement. The Gunners' midfielder and occasional striker netted the first two goals and could have earned his second consecutive three-goal haul in three recent Spain matches but after fouled in the final minute, he generously handed the penalty to Mikel Oyarzabal instead.

Thus it was La Real striker, goal-getter of the decisive goal in the Euro 2024 final, who maintained the remarkable sequence, matching what Vicente del Bosque's legendary squad achieved between 2010 and 2013.

Historic Achievement

Now, you might have observed the asterisk, and correctly so. Although FIFA might not count it as a defeat, during this remarkable run Spain did suffer defeat once – 7-5 on penalties to Portugal in the continental tournament decider back in June. However officially at least, this current team has matched that legendary team against which all Spanish national teams are measured.

Victory in Georgia in a month and the record will be theirs alone. En route they won the Nations League in 2023, the European Championships in 2024 and advanced to a Nations League final in 2025; they approach 2026 ranked number one, among the favorites once more, just like old times.

Total Control

The match represented "only" versus Bulgaria, it is true, similar to previous encounters against Georgia, Bulgaria, and Turkey but that's four wins from four, aggregate score 15-0. There were two moments immediately after La Selección scored their first two goals – the third being an self-inflicted – but ultimately their rivals had not been allowed a solitary shot on target.

The total count showed: thirty-three to three, Spain clearly being Spain. Bulgaria's coach had admitted the only objective his team could have was to hold out as long as possible. As it turned out, that resistance lasted 33 minutes, and Merino's header constituted Spain's 18th attempt on target by that point.

Pedri's Masterclass

This performance was about all of them, but at the core of it was Pedri, everywhere and nowhere at once: present for Spain, absent for Bulgaria, incapable to detect him as he flitted through their lines. He executed one hundred and one passes by the time he was substituted to a rapturous applause on 66 minutes, and his were the moments of utmost subtlety, the most exquisite touches and the most incisive too.

When the José Zorrilla sang his name midway the first half, he had just drifted unnoticed into the area again, dinking his shot over Svetoslav Vutsov and onto the woodwork, but it was not just that. He had previously lifted a gorgeous pass into Álex Baena to volley wide and delivered another pass from which Baena was blocked.

Sustained Attack

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

But then, almost immediately after, he floated an additional ball in. This time Robin Le Normand headed across and Merino headed in. Spain, who had 88% of the ball, now had the advantage. The heat map looked like they had exhausted supply of marking paint half way through and a little later Aghehowa might have made it two-nil.

Momentary Threat

But then in part it's the uncertainty, even the unfairness, that makes football great. And the initial occasion Bulgaria got into Spain's half they might have leveled the score, Kiril Despodov suddenly sprinting away and striking the side-netting.

Introduced for Aghehowa at the break, Borja Iglesias had multiple opportunities in as many minutes before Merino scored once more. The cross from the left flank was excellent from Álex Grimaldo and there, jumping above everyone, was Merino to power the header down and dash off to celebrate around the corner flag.

Final Moments

Similar to their reaction after the opener, Bulgaria escaped again, Despodov played 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 incorrect goal, Atanas Chernev turning into his own net. Yet it was not quite done, Merino kicked in the shins and stepping aside to let Oyarzabal smash in the ninety-ninth goal of De la Fuente's continuing tenure.