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Everything commenced in Scotland and the momentum remains unbroken. That memorable night at Hampden represented merely Luis de la Fuente's second outing as Spain's manager; many believed it might prove to be his last match in charge. Although a pair of Scott McTominay goals overcoming La Furia Roja, whereas virtually everyone expected his tenure would be short-lived, De la Fuente spoke about a route opening - and remarkably, the manager previously criticized of living in Disneyland proved right.

36 months and later, Spain advanced extremely close of World Cup participation, while simultaneously achieving their twenty-ninth consecutive competitive game unbeaten, equaling the historic record.

Pedri's Influence and Decisive Contribution

During an evening when the Barcelona midfielder featured and Mikel Merino made the decisive impact, Spain overcame Bulgaria 4-0 to secure a perfect dozen from 12 in qualifying, edging closer. The Gunners' midfielder and sometime striker scored the opening two goals and could have secured his second hat-trick in three recent Spain appearances but when brought down in the final minute, he selflessly passed the spot-kick to Mikel Oyarzabal instead.

Thus it was the Real Sociedad attacker, scorer of the decisive goal in the European Championship showpiece, who continued the remarkable sequence, matching what Vicente del Bosque's golden generation achieved between 2010 and 2013.

Record Equaled

Currently, you might have noticed the asterisk, and correctly so. Although FIFA might not classify 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 present team has equaled that historic squad against which all Spanish national teams are measured.

Victory in Georgia in a month and the achievement 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 approach 2026 sitting No. 1, among the favorites once more, reminiscent of previous eras.

Total Control

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

Overall count read: 33-3, Spain demonstrably playing as Spain. Bulgaria's coach had admitted the sole objective his team could have was to resist as long as possible. As it turned out, that defensive effort lasted thirty-three minutes, and Merino's header represented Spain's 18th attempt on target already.

Midfield Brilliance

The display was about all of them, but at the heart of it was Pedri, everywhere and elusive at once: everywhere for Spain, nowhere for Bulgaria, unable to track him as he darted through their lines. He executed 101 passes by the time he was withdrawn to a rapturous applause on 66 minutes, and his were the moments of utmost subtlety, the finest touches and the most incisive too.

When the Valladolid stadium chanted his name during the first half, he had just slipped unmarked into the area once more, chipping his shot over Svetoslav Vutsov and onto the woodwork, but it was not just that. He had previously floated a gorgeous pass into Álex Baena to volley wide and delivered an additional back from which Baena was denied.

Sustained Attack

An cleverly weighted delivery had created opportunity for Samu Aghehowa up for what should have been the opener, and a neat lay-off saw Oyarzabal mishit his attempt. He got a opportunity of his own only to be unable to find a proper contact, striking 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 eighty-eight percent of the possession, then had the advantage. The positioning chart appeared like they had run out of marking paint half way through and a little later Aghehowa could have made it two-nil.

Momentary Threat

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

Introduced for Aghehowa at the break, Borja Iglesias had three opportunities in as many minutes before Merino scored once more. The delivery from the left flank was superb 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.

Closing Stages

Similar to their reaction after the first goal, Bulgaria escaped once more, 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 wrong end, Atanas Chernev deflecting into his own net. Yet it was not completely done, Merino fouled in the shins and stepping aside to let Oyarzabal smash in the ninety-ninth goal of De la Fuente's ongoing tenure.