Merino's Brace Ignites La Roja's Scoring Run in Commanding Win Over Bulgarian Side

It all started in Scotland and this impressive streak remains unbroken. That memorable night at Hampden represented merely Luis de la Fuente's second as Spain's manager; many believed it might prove to be his last match in charge. Although two Scott McTominay goals overcoming the Spanish national team, whereas almost all spectators expected his tenure would be brief, the coach spoke about a pathway opening - and remarkably, the man previously criticized of living in Disneyland proved right.

36 months and later, Spain moved to within touching distance of global football qualification, and also racking up their 29th straight official game without defeat, equaling the historic record.

Pedri's Influence and Decisive Contribution

On a night when the Barcelona midfielder 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' playmaker and occasional forward netted the opening two goals and might have earned his second consecutive three-goal haul in three recent Spain matches but after brought down in the closing minute, he selflessly passed the spot-kick to Mikel Oyarzabal instead.

Thus it was La Real striker, goal-getter of the decisive goal in the European Championship showpiece, who continued the impressive sequence, equaling what Vicente del Bosque's legendary squad achieved between 2010 and 2013.

Historic Achievement

Currently, you might have observed the symbol, and correctly so. While FIFA might not classify it as a loss, during this impressive run Spain actually lose once – seven-five on penalties to Portugal in the continental tournament final back in June. However officially at least, this present team has matched that historic team against which all Spanish national teams are compared.

Win in Georgia in thirty days and the achievement will be theirs alone. Along the way they captured the Nations League in 2023, the European Championships in 2024 and reached a Nations League final in 2025; they approach 2026 ranked number one, among the frontrunners once more, just like old times.

Total Control

This was "only" versus Bulgaria, admittedly, similar to previous matches against Georgia, Bulgaria, and Turkey but that's four wins from four outings, combined score fifteen-zero. There were two moments immediately after La Selección obtained their opening goals – the third strike being an self-inflicted – but eventually their opponents had not been allowed a solitary shot on target.

The total statistics showed: thirty-three to three, Spain demonstrably playing as Spain. Bulgaria's coach had admitted the only objective his team could have was to hold out as long as possible. Ultimately, that resistance 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 nowhere simultaneously: present for Spain, nowhere for Bulgaria, unable to track him as he darted through their defense. He completed one hundred and one passes by the time he was withdrawn to a standing ovation on the sixty-sixth minute, and his were the instances of utmost subtlety, the finest touches and the sharpest too.

When the Valladolid stadium sang his name during the first half, he had just slipped unnoticed into the penalty box once more, chipping his shot over Svetoslav Vutsov and onto the crossbar, but it was not just that. He had already floated a gorgeous pass into Álex Baena to strike wide and delivered an additional back from which Baena was blocked.

Continued Pressure

An cleverly weighted 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 received a chance of his own only to be unable to find a proper contact, volleying wide.

But then, shortly after, he delivered an additional ball in. This time Robin Le Normand nodded across and Merino headed in. Spain, who had 88% of the possession, then had the lead. The positioning chart looked like they had run out of marking paint half way through and a little later Aghehowa might have made it two-nil.

Momentary Threat

But then in part it's the unpredictability, even the unfairness, that makes football special. And the first time Bulgaria advanced into Spain's half they could have leveled the score, Kiril Despodov abruptly sprinting away and hitting the outside of the net.

Brought on for Aghehowa at the half-time, Borja Iglesias had three chances in as many minutes before Merino scored once more. The delivery from the left was excellent from Álex Grimaldo and there, jumping above all defenders, was Merino to power the header down and dash off to do laps around the corner flag.

Final Moments

Similar to their reaction after the first goal, Bulgaria escaped again, Despodov played through and sending his and their following shot wide and nevertheless the first time 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 done, Merino fouled in the legs and allowing to let Oyarzabal smash in the ninety-ninth goal of De la Fuente's continuing reign.