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Mikel Merino's Brace Fuels Spain's Scoring Run in Dominant Win Over Bulgarian Side
Everything commenced in Scotland and the momentum persists. That memorable evening at Hampden marked only Luis de la Fuente's second as Spain's manager; many believed it might turn out to be his last assignment. Although a pair of Scott McTominay goals defeating the Spanish national team, 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.
36 months and later, Spain moved to within touching distance of World Cup qualification, while simultaneously achieving their 29th straight competitive game unbeaten, equaling the historic record.
Pedri's Influence and Merino's Impact
During an evening when Pedri featured and Mikel Merino created the difference, Spain overcame Bulgaria 4-0 to accumulate 12 points from 12 in qualifying, edging closer. The Arsenal playmaker and occasional forward scored the first two goals and could have earned his second hat-trick in three recent Spain appearances but when brought down in the final minute, he selflessly passed the penalty to Mikel Oyarzabal instead.
Therefore it was La Real striker, scorer of the decisive goal in the European Championship showpiece, who maintained the impressive sequence, matching what Vicente del Bosque's golden generation achieved between 2010 and 2013.
Record Equaled
Currently, readers may have noticed the symbol, and correctly so. Although FIFA may not classify it as a defeat, during this impressive run Spain actually suffer defeat once – 7-5 on penalties to Portugal in the continental tournament final back in June. However formally at least, this current team has equaled that legendary squad against which all Spanish national teams are measured.
Win in Georgia in a month and the achievement will be theirs alone. En route they won the Nations League in 2023, the European Championships in 2024 and advanced to a Nations League final in 2025; they head toward 2026 ranked number one, among the favorites once more, just like old times.
Complete Domination
This was "only" versus Bulgaria, admittedly, just as previous matches against Georgia, Bulgaria, and Turkey but that's four victories from four, aggregate score fifteen-zero. Occurred two instances immediately after the Spanish team obtained their first two goals – the third being an own goal – but ultimately their opponents had not been allowed a solitary shot on target.
The total statistics showed: thirty-three to three, Spain clearly being Spain. Bulgaria's coach had admitted the only objective his team could have was to resist as long as they could. As it turned out, that resistance lasted 33 minutes, and Merino's header constituted Spain's 18th attempt on target already.
Pedri's Masterclass
The display was about all of them, but at the heart of it was Pedri, everywhere and elusive simultaneously: 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 standing ovation on 66 minutes, and his were the moments of utmost subtlety, the finest touches and the most incisive as well.
When the José Zorrilla sang his name during the first half, he had just slipped unnoticed into the area again, dinking his shot over Svetoslav Vutsov and onto the crossbar, but it was not only that. He had already lifted a gorgeous pass into Álex Baena to strike wide and delivered an additional pass from which Baena was blocked.
Sustained Attack
A disguised pass had created opportunity for Samu Aghehowa up for what should have been the first goal, and a precise lay-off saw Oyarzabal scuff his attempt. He received a opportunity of his own only to be unable to find a clean 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 88% of the possession, then had the advantage. The heat map looked like they had exhausted supply of spray paint half way through and a moment later Aghehowa might have made it two-nil.
Momentary Threat
But then in part it's the unpredictability, even the injustice, that makes football great. And the initial occasion Bulgaria got into Spain's half they could have equalized, Kiril Despodov suddenly sprinting away and hitting the side-netting.
Brought on for Aghehowa at the half-time, Borja Iglesias had three chances in as many minutes before Merino scored once more. The cross from the left flank was excellent from Álex Grimaldo and there, jumping above everyone, was Merino to power the header down and dash off to celebrate round the flagpost.
Final Moments
Similar to their reaction after the opener, Bulgaria escaped again, Despodov sent through and sending his and their second shot wide and yet the initial instance the away team had a shot on target it was at the incorrect goal, Atanas Chernev turning into his team's goal. Still it was not quite finished, Merino fouled in the legs and stepping aside to let Oyarzabal smash in the 99th goal of De la Fuente's continuing reign.
Brian Hernandez
A passionate writer and shopping enthusiast with a keen eye for quality products and lifestyle trends.
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