Welcoming Bulgaria at the José Zorrilla stadium in Valladolid in the early morning of October 15, the Spanish team continued to show outstanding performance when they scored four goals against the opponent, maintaining their perfect record in Group E of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in Europe.
Bulgaria tries to fend off attacks from host Spain
Coach Luis de la Fuente fielded almost his strongest lineup, while Bulgaria under new coach Aleksandar Dimitrov made eight changes compared to the 1-6 loss to Türkiye.
However, the one-sided game was quickly established. Just in the 9th minute, goalkeeper Svetoslav Vutsov had to show his talent to block Alex Baena's long-range shot.
After that, Pedri and young striker Samu Aghehowa continuously threatened the visitors' goal but the ball was blocked time and time again or hit the crossbar.
Mikel Merino is in excellent form for both Arsenal and the Spanish national team.
The constant pressure finally brought the opening goal in the 35th minute. From a cross from center-back Robin Le Normand, midfielder Mikel Merino jumped high to head home, breaking the deadlock and opening an easy night for "La Roja". Entering the second half, Spain continued to completely control the game.
Despite Borja Iglesias missing three good chances in a row, the home team still doubled the gap in the 55th minute when Merino completed his double, this time also with a powerful header after an accurate pass from Alex Grimaldo.
Mikel Merino completes impressive double
Bulgaria only created one significant chance when captain Kiril Despodov broke free and shot just wide of the post. As the game progressed, the visitors became more and more tired and continued to make mistakes. In the 79th minute, defender Atanas Chernev awkwardly kicked an own goal in an attempt to block Aleix Garcia's pass.
Aleix Garcia (9) was happy after receiving a goal from the opponent
In injury time, center-back Martin Georgiev fouled Mikel Merino in the penalty area, allowing Mikel Oyarzabal to seal a 4-0 win from the 11-meter mark.
Mikel Oyarzabal regularly scores for "La Roja"
After 4 matches, Spain has scored a total of 15 goals and has not conceded any, firmly in the top position of Group E. Coach De la Fuente's team is aiming to qualify for the 13th consecutive World Cup finals.
Spain on track to qualify for 13th consecutive World Cup
Meanwhile, Bulgaria was officially eliminated after a series of consecutive defeats - clear proof of the class gap between the two teams.
Source: https://nld.com.vn/tay-ban-nha-thang-dam-bulgaria-4-0-ap-sat-vong-chung-ket-world-cup-2026-196251015064114512.htm
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