Mikel Merino's Double Sparks La Roja's Scoring Run in Dominant Victory Over Bulgarian Side

It all commenced in Scotland and this impressive streak persists. That memorable night at Hampden represented only Luis de la Fuente's second as Spain's head coach; many believed it could turn out to be his final match in charge. Although a pair of Scott McTominay goals overcoming the Spanish national team, whereas virtually everyone expected his spell would be short-lived, the coach talked about a route opening - and interestingly, the manager previously criticized of living in Disneyland turned out right.

Three years and later, Spain advanced to within touching distance of global football qualification, while simultaneously racking up their 29th straight official game unbeaten, equaling the historic record.

Pedri's Influence and Decisive Contribution

On a night when the Barcelona midfielder featured and Mikel Merino created the difference, Spain defeated Bulgaria 4-0 to secure a perfect dozen from twelve in World Cup qualification, edging closer. The Gunners' midfielder and occasional striker scored the opening two goals and could have earned his second consecutive three-goal haul in three Spain appearances but after fouled in the final minute, he selflessly passed the penalty to Mikel Oyarzabal instead.

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

Record Equaled

Currently, you might have noticed the symbol, and correctly so. While FIFA may not count it as a loss, during this impressive run Spain actually suffer defeat once – 7-5 on penalties to Portugal in the continental tournament final back in June. Yet officially at least, this present team has equaled that legendary squad against which all Spanish sides are compared.

Win in Georgia in a month 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 head toward 2026 ranked number one, among the frontrunners once more, reminiscent of previous eras.

Complete Domination

The match represented "only" against Bulgaria, admittedly, just as previous matches against Georgia, Bulgaria, and Turkey but that's four victories from four outings, combined score 15-0. Occurred two instances immediately after La Selección scored their first two goals – the third strike being an own goal – but eventually their rivals had not been allowed a solitary shot on target.

The total count read: 33-3, Spain demonstrably playing as Spain. Bulgaria's coach had admitted the sole objective his team could have was to hold out as long as they could. Ultimately, that defensive effort lasted thirty-three minutes, and Merino's header constituted Spain's 18th attempt on target already.

Pedri's Masterclass

This performance was about the entire team, but at the heart of it was Pedri, ubiquitous and elusive at once: present for Spain, nowhere for Bulgaria, unable to track him as he flitted through their lines. He completed 101 passes by the time he was withdrawn to a standing ovation on 66 minutes, and his were the moments of utmost subtlety, the most exquisite touches and the most incisive as well.

When the Valladolid stadium sang his name during the first half, he had just slipped unnoticed into the area again, chipping his shot over Svetoslav Vutsov and onto the woodwork, but it was not only that. He had already lifted a magnificent pass into Álex Baena to strike wide and pulled an additional back from which Baena was blocked.

Continued Pressure

An cleverly weighted delivery had set Samu Aghehowa up for what ought to have been the opener, and a neat lay-off saw Oyarzabal scuff his attempt. He received a opportunity of his own only to be unable to find a clean connection, striking wide.

But then, almost immediately after, he floated another 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 exhausted supply of marking paint midway through and a little later Aghehowa could 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 got into Spain's half they might have equalized, Kiril Despodov abruptly sprinting away and striking the side-netting.

Introduced for Aghehowa at the break, Borja Iglesias had three opportunities in as many minutes before Merino scored again. The cross from the left was superb from Álex Grimaldo and there, leaping above all defenders, was Merino to power the header downward and sprint to do laps round the corner flag.

Final Moments

Similar to their reaction after the first goal, Bulgaria escaped once more, Despodov played through and putting his and their second shot wide and nevertheless the initial instance the visitors had a shot on target it was at the wrong end, Atanas Chernev turning into his team's goal. Still it was not completely done, Merino kicked in the shins and allowing to let Oyarzabal blast in the ninety-ninth goal of De la Fuente's ongoing tenure.