Spain’s Golden Generation Strikes Back: A 4-0 Night That Redefines What La Roja Can Do

Spain’s Golden Generation Shines Again

The Spanish national team continued writing new chapters in their storied history by thrashing Bulgaria 4-0 in the fourth round of Euro 2026 qualifiers.

An all-around display under coach Luis de la Fuente confirmed that the victory was about more than three points; it marked a historic milestone, cementing this generation’s place in Spanish football lore through dazzling attacking play and cohesive defense, backed by impressive numbers.

According to Opta, Spain have not lost in their last 29 official matches (24 wins, 5 draws), equalling the best unbeaten run in their history achieved by the golden generation under Vicente del Bosque from 2010 to 2013, a period that included World Cup 2010 and Euro 2012.

With this historic streak, De la Fuente appears to walk confidently along the path laid by the legends who built Spain’s recent greatness.

Merino’s Double and a Defensive Foundation

In Bulgaria, Mikel Merino continued his standout form by scoring twice and guiding his country to a convincing win, lifting his tally to six goals in four qualifiers.

According to Opta, no midfield player in Europe has matched such a goal tally in qualifiers except for Kevin De Bruyne, underscoring Merino’s scoring prowess and tactical growth as he blends playmaking with finishing.

This achievement reflects not only Merino’s goal threat but also his evolution into a more complete midfielder, capable of contributing both in creation and front-line finishing under De la Fuente’s system.

Moreover, Merino became the first Spanish midfielder to score five goals or more in World Cup qualifying since Isco and David Silva in 2018, a testament to his peak form under the current coach, who has granted him freedom to press higher and exploit his physical edge and timing in the box.

With this level of performance, Merino is cemented as a core pillar of the squad, while De la Fuente’s flexible approach allows for a fluid, dangerous attack that can adapt to different opponents.

Defensive solidity, a hallmark of the big guns

While the Spanish attack dazzled, the defense—led by Aymeric Laporte and Ruben Lo Normand—proved sturdy and compact. The team finished the match with another clean sheet, the fourth in the qualifiers, signaling a deep balance between lines.

Lo Normand’s involvement in goals across recent fixtures—whether scoring or assisting—illustrates a defender who not only stops but contributes to the build‑up. His growth under De la Fuente has made him a backbone of the system, trusted to initiate attacks from the back with crisp passing.

Dominance in possession and variety in attack

Spain delivered a multi‑faceted attack against Bulgaria, mixing vertical runs with quick short passing in the classic tiki-taka style. Pedri pulled the strings from deep, while Grimaldo delivered a pinpoint cross for Merino’s second, and Yeremy Pino and Baena provided relentless width on the flanks.

Striker Borja Iglesias caused constant nuisance for the Bulgarian defense, even if two clear chances eluded him in the second half. The third goal came via an own goal from a defender after Alex García’s cross, with Mikel Oyarzabal wrapping up the night late on, sealing a perfect evening for the Spaniards.

De la Fuente’s project continues to bear fruit

The comprehensive win, paired with the record numbers, underscores the work of Luis de la Fuente since taking charge. The former Olympic boss has injected fresh blood, fostered intergenerational harmony, and implemented a flexible approach that blends intense pressing with measured buildup in attack.

He has also rekindled opportunities for players who previously lacked chances, such as Merino, Lo Normand, and Oyarzabal, who are now indispensable in the starting lineup.

Two punchlines to close: If this is what a “cannot-miss” generation looks like, Bulgaria might want to hire a better goalkeeping coach to stop this team from writing more history. And if humor were a goal, Spain’s tiki-taka would need a bigger net—these celebrations aren’t coming down anytime soon.