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Everything commenced in Scottish soil and this impressive streak remains unbroken. That fateful night at Hampden marked merely Luis de la Fuente's second as Spain's manager; many believed it might turn out to be his final match in charge. Although two Scott McTominay goals overcoming the Spanish national team, while virtually everyone anticipated his tenure would be brief, De la Fuente talked about a route emerging - and remarkably, the manager once accused of living in Disneyland proved correct.

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

Pedri's Influence and Merino's Impact

On a night when Pedri played and Mikel Merino created the difference, Spain defeated Bulgaria four-nil to secure 12 points from twelve in World Cup qualification, edging closer. The Gunners' midfielder and sometime forward scored the opening two goals and could have secured his second consecutive hat-trick in three Spain matches but after fouled in the closing minute, he generously handed the spot-kick to Mikel Oyarzabal instead.

Thus it was the Real Sociedad attacker, goal-getter of the decisive goal in the Euro 2024 final, who continued the impressive sequence, equaling what Vicente del Bosque's golden generation accomplished between 2010 and 2013.

Historic Achievement

Currently, you might have observed the symbol, and correctly so. Although FIFA might not count it as a defeat, during this remarkable run Spain did suffer defeat once – seven-five on penalties to Portugal in the continental tournament final back in June. Yet officially at least, this current team has matched that historic squad against which all Spanish sides are measured.

Victory in Georgia in a month and the achievement will be exclusively theirs. Along the way they won the Nations League in 2023, the European Championships in 2024 and reached a Nations League final in 2025; they head toward 2026 sitting number one, among the frontrunners once more, reminiscent of old times.

Total Control

This was "only" against Bulgaria, it is true, just as previous matches against Georgia, Bulgaria, and Turkey but that's four victories from four outings, aggregate score 15-0. Occurred two instances immediately after the Spanish team obtained their opening goals – the third strike being an self-inflicted – but ultimately their rivals had not been permitted a solitary shot on target.

The total count showed: thirty-three to three, Spain clearly playing as Spain. Bulgaria's coach had admitted the sole objective his team could have was to resist as long as they could. As it turned out, that defensive effort lasted 33 minutes, and Merino's header constituted Spain's eighteenth attempt on target by that point.

Midfield Brilliance

The display was about all of them, but at the heart of it was Pedri, ubiquitous and elusive simultaneously: everywhere for Spain, absent for Bulgaria, incapable to track him as he darted through their defense. He completed one hundred and one passes by the time he was withdrawn to a rapturous applause on the sixty-sixth minute, and his were the moments of utmost subtlety, the most exquisite touches and the most incisive as well.

When the Valladolid stadium chanted his name during the opening period, 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 already floated a gorgeous pass into Álex Baena to strike wide and pulled an additional back from which Baena was blocked.

Sustained Attack

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

But then, shortly after, he delivered an additional ball in. This time Robin Le Normand headed across and Merino headed in. Spain, who had eighty-eight percent of the possession, now had the lead. The positioning chart looked like they had exhausted supply of marking paint half way through and a little later Aghehowa might have made it two.

Momentary Threat

But then in part it's the uncertainty, even the injustice, that makes football special. And the first time Bulgaria got into Spain's territory they might have leveled the score, Kiril Despodov abruptly sprinting away and striking the side-netting.

Introduced 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 excellent from Álex Grimaldo and there, leaping above all defenders, was Merino to direct the header downward and sprint to celebrate around the flagpost.

Closing Stages

As they had after the opener, Bulgaria escaped once more, Despodov sent through and putting 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. Yet it was not quite finished, Merino fouled in the legs and allowing to let Oyarzabal blast in the 99th goal of De la Fuente's continuing tenure.