Merino's Double Ignites La Roja's Goal Run in Dominant Victory Over Bulgaria

Everything started in Scottish soil and this impressive streak remains unbroken. That memorable evening at Hampden represented only Luis de la Fuente's second as Spain's manager; many believed it could turn out to be his final assignment. Although a pair of Scott McTominay goals overcoming La Furia Roja, whereas almost all spectators anticipated his spell would be brief, the coach spoke about a route emerging - and remarkably, the manager previously criticized of living in Disneyland proved correct.

Three years and later, Spain moved to within touching distance of global football participation, and also racking up their twenty-ninth straight official game without defeat, matching the legendary 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 accumulate 12 points from twelve in qualifying, edging closer. The Gunners' midfielder and occasional striker scored the opening two goals and could have secured his second consecutive hat-trick in three Spain appearances but after fouled in the final minute, he selflessly passed the spot-kick to Mikel Oyarzabal instead.

Therefore it was La Real striker, scorer of the winning goal in the European Championship showpiece, who maintained the remarkable sequence, equaling what Vicente del Bosque's golden generation achieved between 2010 and 2013.

Historic Achievement

Currently, you might have observed the symbol, and correctly so. Although FIFA may not count it as a loss, during this remarkable run Spain did lose once – 7-5 on penalties to Portugal in the continental tournament final back in June. However officially at least, this present team has matched that legendary squad against which all Spanish national teams are measured.

Win in Georgia in a month and the record will be theirs alone. Along the way they captured the Nations League in 2023, the European Championships in 2024 and advanced to a Nations League final in 2025; they approach 2026 ranked number one, among the frontrunners once more, just like previous eras.

Complete Domination

This was "only" versus Bulgaria, admittedly, similar to previous matches against Georgia, Bulgaria, and Turkey but that's four wins from four, combined score 15-0. There were two moments immediately after the Spanish team scored their first two goals – the third strike being an self-inflicted – but eventually their rivals had not been allowed a solitary shot on target.

Overall statistics showed: 33-3, Spain demonstrably playing as Spain. Bulgaria's coach had admitted the only objective his team could have was to resist as long as they could. Ultimately, that resistance lasted 33 minutes, and Merino's header represented Spain's eighteenth attempt on target by that point.

Pedri's Masterclass

The display was about the entire team, but at the core of it was Pedri, ubiquitous and nowhere simultaneously: everywhere for Spain, nowhere for Bulgaria, unable to detect him as he darted through their lines. He completed 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 greatest subtlety, the finest touches and the most incisive too.

When the Valladolid stadium sang his name midway the opening period, he had just drifted unnoticed into the area once more, chipping his shot over Svetoslav Vutsov and onto the crossbar, but it was not only that. He had previously floated a magnificent pass into Álex Baena to volley wide and pulled an additional back from which Baena was blocked.

Sustained Attack

A disguised pass had created opportunity for Samu Aghehowa up for what should have been the first goal, and a neat lay-off saw Oyarzabal scuff his shot. He received a opportunity of his own only to fail to find a proper connection, volleying wide.

But then, shortly 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 ball, now had the advantage. The heat map looked like they had run out of marking paint half way through and a moment later Aghehowa could have made it two-nil.

Momentary Threat

But then in part it's the unpredictability, even the injustice, that makes football great. And the initial occasion Bulgaria got into Spain's territory they could have equalized, Kiril Despodov abruptly sprinting away and striking the outside of the net.

Introduced for Aghehowa at the half-time, Borja Iglesias had three chances in as many minutes before Merino did it once more. The delivery from the left was excellent from Álex Grimaldo and there, leaping above all defenders, was Merino to direct the header downward and dash off to do laps round the corner flag.

Final Moments

As they had after the opener, Bulgaria escaped once more, Despodov played through and sending 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. Still it was not quite done, Merino fouled in the shins and allowing to let Oyarzabal blast in the 99th goal of De la Fuente's ongoing tenure.