Mikel Merino's Double Sparks Spain's Goal Spree in Dominant Win Over Bulgaria

Everything began in Scottish soil and the momentum persists. That memorable evening at Hampden represented only Luis de la Fuente's second as Spain's head coach; numerous observers thought it could prove to be his final assignment. Despite two Scott McTominay goals overcoming the Spanish national team, whereas virtually everyone anticipated his tenure would be brief, the coach spoke about a pathway opening - and interestingly, the man once accused of being unrealistic turned out right.

36 months and four days, Spain moved to within touching distance of World Cup qualification, and also achieving their 29th consecutive official game unbeaten, matching the legendary record.

Midfield Masterclass and Merino's Impact

On a night when the Barcelona midfielder played and Mikel Merino created the difference, Spain overcame Bulgaria 4-0 to secure a perfect dozen from twelve in World Cup qualification, nearing advancement. The Arsenal playmaker and occasional striker scored the opening two goals and could have secured his second consecutive hat-trick in three Spain matches but when brought down in the closing minute, he generously handed the penalty to Mikel Oyarzabal instead.

Therefore it was the Real Sociedad 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, readers may have observed the asterisk, and correctly so. Although FIFA may not classify it as a defeat, during this remarkable run Spain did suffer defeat once – seven-five on penalties to Portugal in the Nations League decider back in June. Yet officially at least, this present team has matched that legendary team against which all Spanish sides are measured.

Victory in Georgia in thirty days and the record 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 approach 2026 sitting number one, among the favorites once more, just like previous eras.

Total Control

The match represented "only" against Bulgaria, it is true, similar to previous encounters against Georgia, Bulgaria, and Turkey but that's four victories from four outings, aggregate score fifteen-zero. Occurred two instances immediately after La Selección obtained their first two goals – the third strike being an own goal – but ultimately their rivals 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 hold out as long as they could. Ultimately, that defensive effort lasted thirty-three minutes, and Merino's header represented Spain's eighteenth attempt on target by that point.

Midfield Brilliance

The display was about all of them, but at the core of it was Pedri, everywhere and nowhere at once: present for Spain, nowhere for Bulgaria, incapable to track him as he darted through their defense. He completed one hundred and one passes by the time he was substituted to a rapturous applause on the sixty-sixth minute, and his were the moments of greatest subtlety, the most exquisite touches and the most incisive too.

When the Valladolid stadium chanted his name midway the opening period, he had just drifted unnoticed into the area again, 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 strike wide and delivered another pass from which Baena was denied.

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 mishit his attempt. He received a chance of his own only to be unable to find a proper connection, volleying wide.

But then, shortly after, he floated another ball in. This time Robin Le Normand nodded across and Merino headed in. Spain, who had 88% of the ball, now had the advantage. The heat map appeared like they had exhausted supply of spray paint half way through and a moment later Aghehowa could have made it two.

Brief Resistance

But then in part it's the uncertainty, even the unfairness, that makes football special. And the initial occasion Bulgaria got into Spain's territory they might have leveled the score, Kiril Despodov abruptly sprinting away and striking the outside of the net.

Introduced for Aghehowa at the half-time, Borja Iglesias had three chances in as many minutes before Merino did it again. The cross from the left was excellent from Álex Grimaldo and there, jumping above all defenders, was Merino to direct the header down and dash off to do laps round the corner flag.

Closing Stages

As they had after the opener, Bulgaria survived once more, Despodov played 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 incorrect goal, Atanas Chernev deflecting into his own net. Yet it was not quite done, Merino fouled in the legs and stepping aside to let Oyarzabal smash in the 99th goal of De la Fuente's continuing tenure.