Mikel Merino's Double Sparks La Roja's Scoring Spree in Dominant Victory Over Bulgaria

Everything commenced in Scottish soil and the momentum 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 last match in charge. Despite a pair of Scott McTominay goals defeating La Furia Roja, while virtually everyone expected his spell would be brief, De la Fuente spoke about a pathway opening - and remarkably, the man once accused of living in Disneyland turned out correct.

Three years and later, Spain advanced extremely close of World Cup participation, while simultaneously achieving their 29th consecutive official game unbeaten, equaling the legendary record.

Pedri's Influence and Decisive Contribution

During an evening when Pedri played and Mikel Merino created the difference, Spain defeated Bulgaria 4-0 to secure a perfect dozen from twelve in qualifying, nearing advancement. The Gunners' midfielder and occasional forward scored the opening two goals and might have secured his second hat-trick in three Spain appearances but when brought down in the final minute, he selflessly passed the spot-kick to Mikel Oyarzabal instead.

Therefore it was La Real striker, scorer of the decisive goal in the European Championship final, who continued the impressive sequence, matching what Vicente del Bosque's legendary squad accomplished between 2010 and 2013.

Historic Achievement

Currently, you might have noticed the asterisk, and correctly so. While FIFA might not count it as a defeat, during this remarkable run Spain actually suffer defeat once – seven-five on penalties to Portugal in the Nations League final back in June. However officially at least, this current team has equaled that legendary team against which all Spanish sides are compared.

Win in Georgia in a month and the record 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 ranked number one, among the frontrunners once more, reminiscent of previous eras.

Complete Domination

The match represented "only" against Bulgaria, admittedly, similar to previous matches against Georgia, Bulgaria, and Turkey but that's four wins from four outings, combined score 15-0. There were two moments immediately after the Spanish team obtained their first two goals – the third strike being an own goal – but ultimately their opponents had not been permitted a solitary shot on target.

The total count showed: thirty-three to three, Spain demonstrably playing as Spain. Bulgaria's coach had confessed the only objective his team could have was to hold out as long as they could. As it turned out, that resistance lasted thirty-three minutes, and Merino's header represented 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 nowhere at once: everywhere for Spain, nowhere for Bulgaria, unable to detect him as he darted through their defense. He completed one hundred and one passes by the time he was withdrawn to a standing ovation on the sixty-sixth minute, and his were the instances of greatest subtlety, the most exquisite touches and the most incisive too.

When the José Zorrilla sang his name midway the opening period, he had just drifted unmarked into the area once more, chipping his shot over Svetoslav Vutsov and onto the woodwork, but it was not just that. He had previously floated a magnificent pass into Álex Baena to volley wide and pulled another 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 precise pass saw Oyarzabal scuff his shot. He received a chance of his own only to be unable to find a proper contact, striking wide.

But then, almost immediately after, he floated another ball in. This time Robin Le Normand headed across and Merino headed in. Spain, who had eighty-eight percent of the ball, now had the advantage. The positioning chart appeared like they had run out of marking paint half way through and a little later Aghehowa could have made it two-nil.

Momentary Threat

But then in part it's the uncertainty, even the injustice, that makes football great. And the initial occasion Bulgaria got into Spain's half they might have equalized, Kiril Despodov suddenly breaking away and hitting the outside of the net.

Introduced for Aghehowa at the break, Borja Iglesias had multiple chances in as many minutes before Merino scored once more. The cross from the left was excellent from Álex Grimaldo and there, leaping above everyone, was Merino to power the header down and sprint to do laps round the flagpost.

Final Moments

Similar to their reaction after the first goal, Bulgaria survived again, Despodov sent 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 incorrect goal, Atanas Chernev turning into his own net. Yet it was not quite done, Merino fouled in the shins and allowing to let Oyarzabal smash in the 99th goal of De la Fuente's continuing tenure.