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It all commenced in Scotland and this impressive streak persists. That fateful night at Hampden marked merely Luis de la Fuente's second outing as Spain's manager; many believed it might turn out to be his last match in charge. Despite two Scott McTominay goals overcoming the Spanish national team, while almost all spectators expected his tenure would be brief, the coach spoke about a pathway opening - and remarkably, the manager once accused of being unrealistic turned out correct.

36 months and four days, Spain moved to within touching distance of World Cup participation, while simultaneously achieving their 29th straight official game unbeaten, equaling the legendary record.

Pedri's Influence and Decisive Contribution

During an evening when Pedri played and Mikel Merino created the difference, Spain defeated Bulgaria 4-0 to accumulate 12 points from 12 in World Cup qualification, edging closer. The Arsenal midfielder and sometime striker netted the opening two goals and might have secured his second consecutive hat-trick in three Spain matches but after fouled in the closing minute, he selflessly passed the spot-kick to Mikel Oyarzabal instead.

Therefore it was the Real Sociedad striker, scorer of the decisive goal in the Euro 2024 final, who continued the impressive 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 might not count it as a loss, during this impressive run Spain actually lose once – seven-five on penalties to Portugal in the continental tournament final back in June. However formally at least, this present team has equaled that historic squad against which all Spanish sides are compared.

Win in Georgia in thirty days 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 sitting No. 1, among the frontrunners once more, just like previous eras.

Complete Domination

The match represented "only" against Bulgaria, admittedly, 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 the Spanish team obtained their opening goals – the third being an self-inflicted – but ultimately their opponents had not been permitted a single shot on target.

Overall count 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. As it turned out, that defensive effort lasted 33 minutes, and Merino's header constituted Spain's 18th attempt on target by that point.

Midfield Brilliance

The display was about the entire team, but at the core of it was Pedri, everywhere and elusive at once: everywhere for Spain, nowhere for Bulgaria, unable to detect him as he flitted through their lines. He completed one hundred and one passes by the time he was withdrawn to a standing ovation on 66 minutes, and his were the moments of greatest subtlety, the finest touches and the sharpest as well.

When the Valladolid stadium sang his name during the first half, he had just slipped unmarked into the area again, chipping his shot over Svetoslav Vutsov and onto the crossbar, but it was not only that. He had previously floated a gorgeous pass into Álex Baena to strike wide and pulled an additional pass from which Baena was blocked.

Sustained Attack

An cleverly weighted delivery had created opportunity for Samu Aghehowa up for what should have been the first goal, and a neat lay-off saw Oyarzabal scuff his shot. He got a opportunity of his own only to fail to find a proper connection, striking wide.

But then, almost immediately after, he delivered another ball in. This time Robin Le Normand nodded across and Merino directed in. Spain, who had 88% of the possession, then had the lead. The heat map appeared like they had run out of spray 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 advanced into Spain's half they could have equalized, Kiril Despodov suddenly breaking away and hitting the side-netting.

Introduced for Aghehowa at the break, Borja Iglesias had three chances in as many minutes before Merino scored again. The cross from the left flank was superb from Álex Grimaldo and there, jumping above all defenders, was Merino to power the header downward and sprint to do laps round the corner flag.

Closing Stages

As they had after the first goal, Bulgaria escaped once more, Despodov sent through and putting his and their second shot wide and nevertheless the first time the away team had a shot on target it was at the incorrect goal, Atanas Chernev deflecting into his own net. Still it was not quite finished, Merino kicked in the legs and allowing to let Oyarzabal blast in the ninety-ninth goal of De la Fuente's continuing tenure.