Merino's Brace Sparks La Roja's Goal Spree in Dominant Win Over Bulgaria

Everything began in Scotland and the momentum remains unbroken. That memorable evening at Hampden represented merely Luis de la Fuente's second outing as Spain's manager; many believed it might prove to be his last assignment. Although a pair of Scott McTominay goals defeating La Furia Roja, while virtually everyone anticipated his tenure would be brief, De la Fuente talked about a route opening - and remarkably, the man once accused of living in Disneyland proved correct.

36 months and later, Spain moved extremely close of World Cup participation, while simultaneously racking up their 29th consecutive official game unbeaten, matching the legendary record.

Midfield Masterclass and Merino's Impact

During an evening when Pedri featured and Mikel Merino created the difference, Spain overcame Bulgaria four-nil to accumulate a perfect dozen from twelve in qualifying, nearing advancement. The Gunners' playmaker and occasional striker netted the first two goals and might have earned his second consecutive three-goal haul in three recent Spain matches but when brought down in the final minute, he selflessly passed the spot-kick to Mikel Oyarzabal instead.

Therefore it was La Real striker, goal-getter of the decisive goal in the European Championship showpiece, who continued the remarkable sequence, equaling what Vicente del Bosque's legendary squad achieved between 2010 and 2013.

Record Equaled

Now, readers may have noticed the symbol, and correctly so. Although FIFA may not count it as a defeat, during this impressive run Spain actually lose once – 7-5 on penalties to Portugal in the Nations League final back in June. Yet formally at least, this current team has equaled that historic team against which all Spanish sides are measured.

Victory in Georgia in a month and the achievement will be exclusively theirs. 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 ranked number one, among the favorites once more, reminiscent of previous eras.

Complete Domination

This was "only" versus Bulgaria, it is true, similar to previous encounters against Georgia, Bulgaria, and Turkey but that's four victories from four, combined score 15-0. There were two instances immediately after the Spanish team obtained their opening goals – the third being an own goal – but eventually their opponents had not been permitted a single shot on target.

Overall count read: thirty-three to three, Spain demonstrably playing as Spain. Bulgaria's coach had confessed the only objective his team could have was to resist as long as they could. Ultimately, that defensive effort lasted 33 minutes, and Merino's header represented Spain's 18th attempt on target by that point.

Pedri's Masterclass

The display was about all of them, but at the core of it was Pedri, everywhere and nowhere at once: present for Spain, absent for Bulgaria, unable to detect him as he flitted through their defense. He completed 101 passes by the time he was withdrawn to a standing ovation on 66 minutes, and his were the instances of utmost subtlety, the finest touches and the sharpest as well.

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

Continued Pressure

A disguised pass had set Samu Aghehowa up for what ought to have been the first goal, and a neat pass saw Oyarzabal mishit his attempt. He got a chance of his own only to fail to find a clean connection, volleying 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 appeared like they had run out of spray paint midway through and a moment later Aghehowa could have made it two.

Momentary Threat

But then in part it's the uncertainty, even the injustice, that makes football great. And the first time Bulgaria got into Spain's territory they might have leveled the score, Kiril Despodov abruptly breaking away and striking the outside of the net.

Brought on for Aghehowa at the break, Borja Iglesias had three chances in as many minutes before Merino scored again. The cross from the left was superb from Álex Grimaldo and there, jumping above everyone, was Merino to power the header down and sprint to celebrate around the corner flag.

Final Moments

Similar to their reaction after the opener, Bulgaria survived 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 wrong end, Atanas Chernev turning into his team's goal. Still it was not quite done, Merino fouled in the shins and stepping aside to let Oyarzabal smash in the ninety-ninth goal of De la Fuente's continuing reign.