🔗 Share this article Merino's Double Ignites La Roja's Scoring Spree in Dominant Victory Over Bulgarian Side Everything started in Scottish soil and this impressive streak persists. That memorable evening at Hampden represented merely Luis de la Fuente's second as Spain's manager; numerous observers thought it might prove to be his final match in charge. Although a pair of Scott McTominay goals defeating La Furia Roja, whereas virtually everyone expected his spell would be brief, the coach talked about a route opening - and interestingly, the man previously criticized of living in Disneyland turned out correct. 36 months and later, Spain advanced to within touching distance of World Cup qualification, and also racking up their 29th straight official game unbeaten, equaling the legendary record. Midfield Masterclass and Decisive Contribution During an evening when Pedri played and Mikel Merino made the decisive impact, Spain defeated Bulgaria four-nil to accumulate a perfect dozen from 12 in World Cup qualification, nearing advancement. The Arsenal midfielder and sometime striker netted the first two goals and could have earned his second three-goal haul in three Spain appearances but when brought down in the final minute, he generously handed the penalty to Mikel Oyarzabal instead. Thus it was the Real Sociedad striker, scorer of the winning goal in the European Championship final, who continued the remarkable sequence, matching what Vicente del Bosque's golden generation achieved between 2010 and 2013. Historic Achievement Now, you might have observed the asterisk, and correctly so. While FIFA may not classify it as a loss, during this impressive run Spain did lose once – seven-five on penalties to Portugal in the continental tournament decider back in June. Yet formally at least, this present team has equaled that historic squad against which all Spanish national teams are measured. Win in Georgia in thirty days and the achievement will be theirs alone. Along the way they won 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, reminiscent of old times. Total Control This was "only" against Bulgaria, it is true, similar to previous matches against Georgia, Bulgaria, and Turkey but that's four victories from four, aggregate score fifteen-zero. Occurred two moments immediately after La Selección scored their opening goals – the third being an own goal – but eventually their rivals had not been allowed a solitary shot on target. The total count showed: 33-3, Spain clearly playing as Spain. Bulgaria's coach had admitted the sole objective his team could have was to resist as long as they could. As it turned out, that resistance lasted thirty-three minutes, and Merino's header represented Spain's 18th attempt on target by that point. Midfield Brilliance The display was about the entire team, but at the core of it was Pedri, everywhere and elusive simultaneously: everywhere for Spain, nowhere for Bulgaria, incapable to detect him as he darted through their lines. He executed one hundred and one passes by the time he was substituted to a rapturous applause on 66 minutes, and his were the moments of greatest subtlety, the most exquisite touches and the most incisive as well. When the Valladolid stadium chanted his name during the first half, he had just slipped unnoticed 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 gorgeous pass into Álex Baena to volley wide and delivered an additional pass from which Baena was denied. Sustained Attack An cleverly weighted delivery had created opportunity for Samu Aghehowa up for what ought to have been the opener, and a neat pass saw Oyarzabal mishit his shot. He received a opportunity 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 directed in. Spain, who had eighty-eight percent of the possession, now had the advantage. The heat map looked like they had run out of marking paint midway through and a moment later Aghehowa might have made it two. Momentary Threat But then in part it's the uncertainty, even the injustice, that makes football special. And the initial occasion Bulgaria advanced into Spain's half they could have leveled the score, Kiril Despodov abruptly breaking away and striking the outside of the net. Brought on for Aghehowa at the half-time, Borja Iglesias had multiple opportunities in as many minutes before Merino scored once more. The cross from the left was excellent from Álex Grimaldo and there, leaping above all defenders, was Merino to direct the header down and dash off to celebrate round the flagpost. Final Moments Similar to their reaction after the opener, Bulgaria escaped once more, Despodov sent through and putting his and their second shot wide and nevertheless the first time 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 blast in the ninety-ninth goal of De la Fuente's ongoing reign.