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Everything commenced in Scottish soil and this impressive streak remains unbroken. That memorable evening at Hampden represented merely Luis de la Fuente's second as Spain's head coach; many believed it could prove to be his final assignment. Despite two Scott McTominay goals defeating the Spanish national team, while almost all spectators anticipated his tenure would be brief, De la Fuente spoke about a route emerging - and remarkably, the man previously criticized of living in Disneyland proved correct.

Three years and later, Spain advanced to within touching distance of global football qualification, while simultaneously racking up their twenty-ninth straight competitive game unbeaten, equaling the historic record.

Pedri's Influence and Decisive Contribution

During an evening when the Barcelona midfielder played and Mikel Merino made the difference, Spain overcame Bulgaria 4-0 to secure 12 points from 12 in qualifying, nearing advancement. The Arsenal playmaker and sometime striker netted the first two goals and could have earned his second consecutive three-goal haul in three recent Spain appearances but when fouled in the final minute, he generously handed the spot-kick to Mikel Oyarzabal instead.

Thus it was the Real Sociedad attacker, scorer of the decisive goal in the Euro 2024 final, who maintained the remarkable sequence, matching what Vicente del Bosque's legendary squad accomplished between 2010 and 2013.

Historic Achievement

Currently, you might have noticed the symbol, and correctly so. While FIFA might not classify it as a loss, during this impressive run Spain did lose once – seven-five on penalties to Portugal in the Nations League final back in June. However officially at least, this current team has matched that legendary squad against which all Spanish sides are measured.

Win in Georgia in thirty days and the record will be exclusively theirs. 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 frontrunners once more, just like previous eras.

Complete Domination

This was "only" versus Bulgaria, admittedly, just as previous encounters 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 first two goals – the third being an own goal – but ultimately their rivals had not been allowed a single shot on target.

The total count read: thirty-three to three, Spain demonstrably playing as Spain. Bulgaria's coach had confessed the sole objective his team could have was to resist as long as they could. Ultimately, that defensive effort lasted 33 minutes, and Merino's header represented Spain's 18th attempt on target already.

Pedri's Masterclass

This performance was about the entire team, but at the heart of it was Pedri, everywhere and nowhere 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 substituted to a rapturous applause on 66 minutes, and his were the moments of utmost subtlety, the most exquisite touches and the sharpest as well.

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 woodwork, but it was not only 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

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

But then, almost immediately after, he floated an additional ball in. This time Robin Le Normand headed across and Merino directed in. Spain, who had 88% of the possession, now had the advantage. The positioning chart appeared like they had exhausted supply of marking paint midway through and a moment later Aghehowa could have made it two-nil.

Momentary Threat

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

Introduced for Aghehowa at the half-time, Borja Iglesias had three chances in as many minutes before Merino did it again. 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 do laps round the corner flag.

Closing Stages

As they had after the first goal, Bulgaria survived again, Despodov played through and putting his and their second shot wide and nevertheless the initial instance the away team had a shot on target it was at the incorrect goal, Atanas Chernev turning into his own net. Still it was not quite done, Merino fouled in the shins and allowing to let Oyarzabal smash in the ninety-ninth goal of De la Fuente's continuing tenure.