Bulgaria’s reigning European champions defeated Bulgaria 3-0 while enjoying a razor-sharp start to their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.
First half goals from Mikel Oyarzabal, Marc Cucurella and Mikel Merino made sure that Spain briefly worked on their hosts in Sofia, where Lamine Yamal blinded.
It took only five minutes before Oyarzabal opened the score for the visitors, with Arsenal’s Martin Zubimendi offering an inch-perfect pass to bring the goalkeeper forward before the real Sociedad attacker brought it home.
Spain doubled their lead on half -hours, while Marc Cucurella closed an excellent finish along Svetoslav Vutsov in the goal of Bulgaria.
Eight minutes later, a corner of the fantastic Yamal was met through the head of an unmarked Merino to get the game out of reach.
After the restart, the game was limited in clear opportunities. Spain, however, continued to investigate, but was met by a tighter Bulgarian rear -guard when the hosts successfully kept some pride in their group E -opener.
21- Luis de la Fuente’s Spain has not lost their last 21 games (W16 D5), which Julen Lopetegui’s run of 20 in 2018 (W14 D6) surpasses and recorded the best undefeated run since Vicente del Bosque’s 26 between 2011 and 2013 (W20 D6). Luxury #Worldcup2026 #Spain pic.twitter.com/bf3ydwclgk
– Optajose (@Optajose) September 4, 2025
Data debrief: Yamal shines again while Spain March
After his recent balloon d’Or nomination and last season’s stunning exploits, Yamal showed his class here.
He again delivered a striking display, and ranked Joint-First for opportunities created (two), while he was the first for Dribbels (11) and Won Duels (eight).
It was a dominant representation of the Luis de la Fuente team, which ended with 24 shots, with no fewer than 12 of those on goal, and 3.33 expected goals, while Bulgaria had only three attempts for a meager 0.1 XG.
It is now 21 games unbeaten and counting for Spain. It has been their longest unbeaten run since a series of 26 between 2011 and 2013.
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