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It all started in Scotland and this impressive streak persists. That fateful evening at Hampden represented merely Luis de la Fuente's second outing as Spain's head coach; many believed it might prove to be his final match in charge. Despite two Scott McTominay goals overcoming the Spanish national team, whereas virtually everyone expected his spell would be short-lived, the coach talked about a route emerging - and interestingly, the man once accused of being unrealistic turned out right.

Three years and later, Spain advanced to within touching distance of global football participation, while simultaneously achieving their twenty-ninth consecutive official game without defeat, matching the historic record.

Pedri's Influence and Decisive Contribution

On a night when Pedri featured and Mikel Merino created the difference, Spain defeated Bulgaria 4-0 to accumulate a perfect dozen from 12 in World Cup qualification, nearing advancement. The Arsenal playmaker 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 final minute, he generously handed the penalty to Mikel Oyarzabal instead.

Therefore it was La Real attacker, scorer of the decisive goal in the European Championship final, who continued the remarkable sequence, equaling what Vicente del Bosque's golden generation accomplished between 2010 and 2013.

Historic Achievement

Now, you might have observed the symbol, and correctly so. While FIFA may not classify it as a defeat, during this impressive run Spain actually suffer defeat once – 7-5 on penalties to Portugal in the continental tournament final back in June. Yet formally at least, this current team has equaled that legendary squad against which all Spanish national teams are compared.

Victory in Georgia in a month and the record will be theirs alone. En route 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 ranked number one, among the frontrunners once more, reminiscent of previous eras.

Total Control

The match represented "only" versus Bulgaria, admittedly, just as previous encounters against Georgia, Bulgaria, and Turkey but that's four wins from four outings, aggregate score 15-0. Occurred two instances immediately after the Spanish team obtained their first two goals – the third strike being an self-inflicted – but eventually their opponents had not been allowed a single shot on target.

Overall count read: thirty-three to three, Spain demonstrably playing as 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.

Midfield Brilliance

This performance was about the entire team, but at the heart of it was Pedri, ubiquitous and nowhere at once: everywhere for Spain, absent for Bulgaria, incapable to track him as he darted through their defense. He executed one hundred and one passes by the time he was substituted to a standing ovation on the sixty-sixth minute, and his were the instances of utmost subtlety, the finest touches and the sharpest too.

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

Continued Pressure

An cleverly weighted pass had created opportunity for Samu Aghehowa up for what should have been the opener, and a precise pass saw Oyarzabal scuff his attempt. He received a opportunity of his own only to fail to find a clean contact, volleying wide.

But then, shortly after, he delivered another ball in. This time Robin Le Normand nodded across and Merino headed in. Spain, who had 88% of the ball, then had the lead. The heat map looked like they had exhausted supply of spray paint midway through and a moment later Aghehowa could have made it two.

Momentary Threat

But then in part it's the unpredictability, even the injustice, that makes football special. And the first time Bulgaria advanced 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 half-time, Borja Iglesias had multiple opportunities 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 direct the header downward and dash off to celebrate around the corner flag.

Final Moments

Similar to their reaction after the opener, Bulgaria survived again, Despodov played through and putting his and their second shot wide and yet the initial instance the visitors had a shot on target it was at the incorrect goal, Atanas Chernev deflecting into his own net. Still it was not quite done, Merino kicked in the shins and stepping aside to let Oyarzabal blast in the ninety-ninth goal of De la Fuente's continuing tenure.