Mikel Merino's Brace Ignites Spain's Goal Spree in Commanding Win Over Bulgarian Side

It all began in Scotland and this impressive streak persists. That memorable night at Hampden marked merely Luis de la Fuente's second outing as Spain's head coach; numerous observers thought it might prove to be his final match in charge. Despite two Scott McTominay goals overcoming the Spanish national team, whereas almost all spectators anticipated his tenure would be brief, the coach spoke about a pathway opening - and interestingly, the manager once accused of being unrealistic proved correct.

Three years and later, Spain moved extremely close of global football qualification, while simultaneously achieving 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 made the difference, Spain defeated Bulgaria four-nil to secure 12 points from twelve in qualifying, nearing advancement. The Gunners' midfielder and occasional striker scored the first two goals and might have earned his second hat-trick in three recent Spain matches but when fouled in the closing minute, he selflessly passed the spot-kick to Mikel Oyarzabal instead.

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

Historic Achievement

Now, readers may have observed the symbol, and correctly so. Although FIFA may not classify it as a loss, during this remarkable run Spain actually lose once – seven-five on penalties to Portugal in the continental tournament final back in June. Yet formally at least, this present team has equaled that legendary squad against which all Spanish sides are compared.

Victory in Georgia in a month and the achievement will be theirs alone. En route 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 number one, among the favorites once more, just like old times.

Total Control

This was "only" versus Bulgaria, admittedly, similar to previous encounters against Georgia, Bulgaria, and Turkey but that's four victories from four, combined score fifteen-zero. Occurred two instances immediately after the Spanish team obtained their opening goals – the third being an own goal – but eventually their rivals had not been allowed a single shot on target.

Overall statistics showed: 33-3, Spain demonstrably being Spain. Bulgaria's coach had admitted the sole objective his team could have was to resist as long as they could. Ultimately, that defensive effort lasted 33 minutes, and Merino's header constituted Spain's eighteenth attempt on target already.

Pedri's Masterclass

This performance was about all of them, but at the heart of it was Pedri, everywhere and elusive simultaneously: present for Spain, absent for Bulgaria, incapable to track him as he darted through their lines. He executed 101 passes by the time he was substituted to a standing ovation 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 sang his name during the opening period, he had just drifted unnoticed into the penalty box once more, chipping his shot over Svetoslav Vutsov and onto the woodwork, but it was not just that. He had already floated a magnificent pass into Álex Baena to volley wide and delivered another pass from which Baena was blocked.

Continued Pressure

A disguised delivery had created opportunity for Samu Aghehowa up for what ought to have been the first goal, and a neat lay-off saw Oyarzabal scuff his attempt. He received a chance of his own only to be unable to find a clean connection, striking wide.

But then, shortly after, he delivered another ball in. This time Robin Le Normand nodded across and Merino directed in. Spain, who had eighty-eight percent of the ball, then had the advantage. 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.

Brief Resistance

But then in part it's the unpredictability, even the injustice, that makes football special. And the first time Bulgaria got into Spain's half they could have leveled the score, Kiril Despodov suddenly sprinting away and hitting the side-netting.

Introduced 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 flank was superb from Álex Grimaldo and there, jumping above all defenders, was Merino to direct the header down and dash off to do laps around the flagpost.

Closing Stages

Similar to their reaction after the first goal, Bulgaria survived again, Despodov played through and sending his and their following shot wide and yet the first time the away team 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 shins and allowing to let Oyarzabal smash in the 99th goal of De la Fuente's continuing reign.