Merino's Brace Fuels La Roja's Goal Run in Dominant Win Over Bulgaria

Everything started in Scottish soil and this impressive streak continues. That memorable evening at Hampden represented only Luis de la Fuente's second outing as Spain's manager; numerous observers thought it could prove to be his final match in charge. Despite two Scott McTominay goals defeating the Spanish national team, whereas almost all spectators anticipated 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 moved extremely close of global football qualification, while simultaneously racking up their twenty-ninth consecutive competitive game without defeat, equaling the historic record.

Midfield Masterclass and Decisive Contribution

During an evening when the Barcelona midfielder played and Mikel Merino created the decisive impact, Spain overcame Bulgaria four-nil to accumulate 12 points from 12 in qualifying, edging closer. The Gunners' midfielder and occasional forward netted the opening two goals and could have earned his second consecutive three-goal haul in three Spain matches but after fouled in the closing minute, he generously handed the penalty to Mikel Oyarzabal instead.

Thus it was the Real Sociedad attacker, scorer of the winning goal in the European Championship final, who continued the remarkable sequence, equaling what Vicente del Bosque's legendary squad achieved between 2010 and 2013.

Record Equaled

Currently, readers may have observed the asterisk, and rightly so. Although FIFA may not count it as a defeat, during this impressive run Spain actually suffer defeat once – seven-five on penalties to Portugal in the continental tournament final back in June. Yet formally at least, this current team has equaled that historic squad against which all Spanish sides are measured.

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 reached a Nations League final in 2025; they head toward 2026 ranked number one, among the favorites once more, reminiscent of old times.

Total Control

This was "only" versus Bulgaria, admittedly, similar to previous encounters against Georgia, Bulgaria, and Turkey but that's four wins from four, aggregate score 15-0. Occurred two instances immediately after La Selección obtained their opening goals – the third being an self-inflicted – but eventually their rivals 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 sole objective his team could have was to resist as long as possible. Ultimately, that defensive effort lasted thirty-three minutes, and Merino's header represented Spain's 18th attempt on target already.

Midfield Brilliance

The display was about all of them, but at the core of it was Pedri, everywhere and elusive simultaneously: present for Spain, absent for Bulgaria, unable to track him as he flitted through their defense. He executed one hundred and one passes by the time he was substituted to a rapturous applause on the sixty-sixth minute, and his were the instances of greatest subtlety, the most exquisite touches and the most incisive as well.

When the José Zorrilla chanted his name midway the opening period, he had just drifted unmarked into the penalty box once more, dinking 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 volley wide and delivered an additional pass from which Baena was denied.

Continued Pressure

An cleverly weighted delivery had set Samu Aghehowa up for what should have been the first goal, and a precise lay-off saw Oyarzabal scuff his attempt. He got a chance of his own only to fail to find a clean connection, volleying wide.

But then, shortly after, he floated an additional ball in. This time Robin Le Normand nodded across and Merino headed in. Spain, who had 88% of the ball, now had the lead. The heat map looked like they had exhausted supply of marking paint midway through and a moment later Aghehowa could have made it two.

Brief Resistance

But then in part it's the unpredictability, even the injustice, that makes football special. And the initial occasion Bulgaria got into Spain's territory they could have leveled the score, Kiril Despodov suddenly breaking away and striking the side-netting.

Brought on for Aghehowa at the half-time, Borja Iglesias had multiple chances in as many minutes before Merino did it again. The delivery from the left was superb from Álex Grimaldo and there, jumping above everyone, was Merino to direct the header down and sprint to celebrate round the flagpost.

Final Moments

Similar to their reaction after the first goal, Bulgaria escaped again, Despodov sent through and sending his and their following shot wide and nevertheless the first time the visitors had a shot on target it was at the wrong end, Atanas Chernev deflecting into his team's goal. Yet it was not quite finished, Merino fouled in the legs and allowing to let Oyarzabal smash in the 99th goal of De la Fuente's continuing tenure.