Mikel Merino's Brace Ignites Spain's Goal Run in Commanding Victory Over Bulgaria

Everything began in Scotland and this impressive streak remains unbroken. That memorable night at Hampden represented merely Luis de la Fuente's second as Spain's manager; many believed it could prove to be his last assignment. Despite a pair of Scott McTominay goals overcoming the Spanish national team, while virtually everyone expected his spell would be short-lived, the coach spoke about a route opening - and interestingly, the man once accused of being unrealistic proved correct.

36 months and four days, Spain advanced to within touching distance of World Cup participation, and also achieving their twenty-ninth consecutive competitive game unbeaten, equaling the historic record.

Midfield Masterclass and Merino's Impact

During an evening when Pedri played and Mikel Merino created the difference, Spain defeated Bulgaria four-nil to secure 12 points from twelve in World Cup qualification, nearing advancement. The Gunners' playmaker and sometime striker scored the opening two goals and might have secured his second consecutive three-goal haul in three recent Spain appearances but after brought down in the closing minute, he selflessly passed the spot-kick to Mikel Oyarzabal instead.

Thus it was La Real attacker, goal-getter of the decisive goal in the European Championship final, who continued the impressive sequence, matching what Vicente del Bosque's golden generation accomplished between 2010 and 2013.

Historic Achievement

Currently, readers may have noticed the symbol, and rightly so. While FIFA might not count it as a loss, during this impressive run Spain actually suffer defeat once – seven-five on penalties to Portugal in the Nations League decider back in June. Yet formally at least, this current team has matched that legendary squad against which all Spanish sides are measured.

Victory in Georgia in a month and the record 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 ranked No. 1, among the favorites once more, just like old times.

Complete Domination

This was "only" against Bulgaria, admittedly, similar to previous matches against Georgia, Bulgaria, and Turkey but that's four victories from four outings, combined score fifteen-zero. There were two moments immediately after the Spanish team obtained their first two goals – the third being an self-inflicted – but ultimately their rivals had not been allowed a solitary shot on target.

The total statistics read: thirty-three to three, Spain demonstrably being Spain. Bulgaria's coach had confessed the sole objective his team could have was to resist as long as possible. Ultimately, that defensive effort lasted 33 minutes, and Merino's header represented Spain's 18th attempt on target already.

Midfield Brilliance

The display was about the entire team, but at the heart of it was Pedri, ubiquitous and elusive at once: present for Spain, nowhere for Bulgaria, incapable to track him as he flitted through their lines. He executed one hundred and one passes by the time he was withdrawn to a rapturous applause on 66 minutes, 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 unnoticed into the penalty box again, dinking his shot over Svetoslav Vutsov and onto the woodwork, but it was not just that. He had previously floated a gorgeous pass into Álex Baena to volley wide and pulled an additional back from which Baena was denied.

Sustained Attack

A disguised pass had created opportunity for Samu Aghehowa up for what should have been the opener, and a precise pass saw Oyarzabal scuff his attempt. He got a opportunity of his own only to fail to find a proper contact, volleying wide.

But then, almost immediately after, he floated an additional ball in. This time Robin Le Normand nodded across and Merino directed in. Spain, who had eighty-eight percent of the ball, now had the lead. The positioning chart appeared like they had exhausted supply of marking paint half way through and a moment later Aghehowa could 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 territory they might have equalized, Kiril Despodov suddenly sprinting away and striking the side-netting.

Introduced for Aghehowa at the half-time, Borja Iglesias had three opportunities in as many minutes before Merino scored again. The cross from the left flank was excellent from Álex Grimaldo and there, jumping above all defenders, was Merino to power the header down and dash off to celebrate around the corner flag.

Final Moments

Similar to their reaction after the first goal, Bulgaria escaped again, Despodov played through and sending his and their following shot wide and yet the initial instance the away team had a shot on target it was at the incorrect goal, Atanas Chernev deflecting into his team's goal. Still it was not completely finished, Merino kicked in the legs and allowing to let Oyarzabal blast in the ninety-ninth goal of De la Fuente's continuing tenure.