Merino's Double Ignites Spain's Scoring Run in Commanding Win Over Bulgarian Side

It all began in Scotland and this impressive streak persists. That fateful night at Hampden marked merely Luis de la Fuente's second as Spain's manager; numerous observers thought it might turn out to be his last assignment. Despite two Scott McTominay goals overcoming the Spanish national team, whereas virtually everyone anticipated his tenure would be short-lived, the coach talked about a route opening - and remarkably, the man once accused of living in Disneyland turned out correct.

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

Midfield Masterclass and Decisive Contribution

On a night when Pedri played and Mikel Merino made the decisive impact, Spain overcame Bulgaria four-nil to accumulate a perfect dozen from twelve in qualifying, edging closer. The Gunners' playmaker and occasional forward scored the opening two goals and might have secured his second three-goal haul in three Spain appearances but after fouled in the final minute, he selflessly passed the spot-kick to Mikel Oyarzabal instead.

Thus it was La Real attacker, goal-getter of the decisive goal in the European Championship final, who maintained the remarkable sequence, matching what Vicente del Bosque's golden generation achieved between 2010 and 2013.

Record Equaled

Currently, you might have noticed the symbol, and correctly so. While FIFA might not classify it as a defeat, during this impressive run Spain did lose once – 7-5 on penalties to Portugal in the Nations League decider back in June. However formally at least, this current team has matched that historic team against which all Spanish national teams are compared.

Victory 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 advanced to a Nations League final in 2025; they head toward 2026 sitting No. 1, among the favorites once more, reminiscent of old times.

Complete Domination

This was "only" against Bulgaria, admittedly, similar to previous encounters against Georgia, Bulgaria, and Turkey but that's four wins from four outings, aggregate score fifteen-zero. There were two moments immediately after La Selección scored their opening goals – the third strike being an own goal – but ultimately their opponents had not been allowed a solitary 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 possible. Ultimately, that resistance lasted thirty-three minutes, and Merino's header represented 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, everywhere and elusive simultaneously: present for Spain, absent for Bulgaria, unable to detect him as he darted through their lines. He executed 101 passes by the time he was withdrawn to a standing ovation on 66 minutes, and his were the moments of utmost subtlety, the finest touches and the most incisive as well.

When the José Zorrilla sang his name during the opening period, he had just slipped unmarked into the area again, chipping his shot over Svetoslav Vutsov and onto the crossbar, but it was not only that. He had already floated a gorgeous pass into Álex Baena to strike wide and delivered an additional pass from which Baena was blocked.

Sustained Attack

A disguised delivery had created opportunity for Samu Aghehowa up for what should have been the opener, and a neat lay-off saw Oyarzabal mishit his shot. He got a opportunity of his own only to fail to find a proper contact, striking wide.

But then, almost immediately after, he delivered an additional ball in. This time Robin Le Normand headed across and Merino headed in. Spain, who had 88% of the ball, now had the advantage. The heat map appeared like they had exhausted supply of spray paint midway through and a little later Aghehowa might have made it two.

Momentary Threat

But then in part it's the uncertainty, even the unfairness, that makes football great. And the first time Bulgaria advanced into Spain's half they could have leveled the score, Kiril Despodov abruptly sprinting away and striking the side-netting.

Introduced for Aghehowa at the half-time, Borja Iglesias had multiple chances in as many minutes before Merino scored again. The cross from the left flank was superb from Álex Grimaldo and there, jumping above all defenders, was Merino to direct the header down and dash off to celebrate round the flagpost.

Closing Stages

As they had after the first goal, Bulgaria survived once more, Despodov sent through and sending his and their following shot wide and nevertheless the initial instance the visitors had a shot on target it was at the wrong end, Atanas Chernev deflecting into his own net. Still it was not completely done, Merino kicked in the legs and stepping aside to let Oyarzabal smash in the 99th goal of De la Fuente's ongoing tenure.