đ Share this article Merino's Double Ignites La Roja's Goal Run in Commanding Victory Over Bulgaria It all started in Scotland and the momentum persists. That fateful evening at Hampden represented only Luis de la Fuente's second as Spain's head coach; numerous observers thought it could prove to be his final match in charge. Although a pair of Scott McTominay goals defeating the Spanish national team, while virtually everyone anticipated his tenure would be brief, the coach spoke about a pathway opening - and interestingly, the manager previously criticized of being unrealistic turned out right. Three years and four days, Spain moved to within touching distance of global football qualification, and also achieving their twenty-ninth straight competitive game unbeaten, equaling the historic record. Pedri's Influence and Merino's Impact During an evening when Pedri featured and Mikel Merino created the difference, Spain overcame Bulgaria four-nil to secure a perfect dozen from 12 in World Cup qualification, edging closer. The Arsenal midfielder and sometime striker scored the first two goals and could have secured his second consecutive three-goal haul in three recent 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 striker, goal-getter of the winning goal in the European Championship final, who continued the remarkable sequence, equaling what Vicente del Bosque's legendary squad achieved between 2010 and 2013. Historic Achievement Now, readers may have observed the asterisk, and correctly so. Although FIFA might not count it as a loss, during this remarkable run Spain actually lose once â seven-five on penalties to Portugal in the continental tournament decider back in June. Yet officially at least, this present team has matched that legendary team against which all Spanish sides are measured. Victory in Georgia in a month and the record will be exclusively theirs. Along the way they captured the Nations League in 2023, the European Championships in 2024 and reached a Nations League final in 2025; they head toward 2026 ranked number one, among the favorites once more, just like previous eras. Total Control This was "only" against Bulgaria, admittedly, just as previous encounters against Georgia, Bulgaria, and Turkey but that's four victories from four, aggregate score fifteen-zero. Occurred two instances immediately after the Spanish team obtained their opening goals â the third being an own goal â but eventually their opponents had not been allowed a single shot on target. Overall statistics read: thirty-three to three, Spain demonstrably playing as Spain. Bulgaria's coach had admitted the only objective his team could have was to resist as long as possible. Ultimately, that defensive effort lasted 33 minutes, and Merino's header constituted Spain's eighteenth attempt on target already. Pedri's Masterclass The display was about the entire team, but at the heart of it was Pedri, ubiquitous and elusive simultaneously: present for Spain, absent for Bulgaria, incapable to detect him as he flitted through their lines. He completed 101 passes by the time he was withdrawn to a rapturous applause on 66 minutes, and his were the instances of greatest subtlety, the finest touches and the most incisive as well. When the Valladolid stadium chanted his name during the first half, he had just drifted unmarked into the area again, dinking his shot over Svetoslav Vutsov and onto the woodwork, but it was not only that. He had previously floated a magnificent pass into Ălex Baena to strike wide and delivered another 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 scuff his shot. He got a chance of his own only to be unable to find a proper connection, volleying wide. But then, almost immediately after, he delivered another ball in. This time Robin Le Normand headed across and Merino directed in. Spain, who had 88% of the ball, then had the lead. The heat map appeared like they had run out of marking paint half way through and a little later Aghehowa could have made it two. Momentary Threat But then in part it's the uncertainty, even the unfairness, that makes football special. And the first time Bulgaria advanced into Spain's territory they could have equalized, Kiril Despodov abruptly sprinting away and hitting the outside of the net. Brought on for Aghehowa at the break, Borja Iglesias had multiple chances in as many minutes before Merino scored once more. The cross from the left was excellent from Ălex Grimaldo and there, leaping above all defenders, was Merino to direct the header downward and dash off to celebrate round the flagpost. Final Moments Similar to their reaction after the first goal, Bulgaria escaped once more, Despodov played through and putting his and their following shot wide and nevertheless the initial instance the visitors had a shot on target it was at the incorrect goal, Atanas Chernev turning into his own net. Still it was not completely finished, Merino fouled in the shins and allowing to let Oyarzabal smash in the ninety-ninth goal of De la Fuente's continuing reign.