Mikel Merino was Spain's difference-maker as the Arsenal star scored two headed goals to fire La Roja to an emphatic 4-0 World Cup qualifying win over Bulgaria at the Estadio Municipal Jose Zorrilla. Debutant Atanas Chernev put through his own net to all but secure the result, before Mikel Oyarzabal struck home a stoppage-time penalty to round off the scoring. The result edges Spain closer to history, marking their 29th competitive game unbeaten – equalling the record of their world champion generation.
Tell me more
European champions Spain came into the game with an 100% record in qualifying, and it was easy to see why. La Roja took the game to their opponents from the very first whistle, with Barcelona midfield maestro Pedri at the centre of everything as Spain ripped through the heart of Bulgaria's defence.
The 22-year-old found Alex Baena in behind on two occasions, the first of which saw an effort on goal flash over the crossbar, before the Barca star slid through young striker Samu Aghehowa. But Svetoslav Vutsov would stand in his way, as the goalkeeper stood strong to palm the ball clear. He would get the better of Aghehowa on a second occasion, this time with a powerful strike which he palmed over.
Pedri also tried to get in on the act, chipping the ball over Vutsov but seeing the ball rebound back off the crossbar. His next attempt would see the ball bounce agonisingly wide, as the Bulgarian goal lived more and more dangerously.
Eventually, with 35 minutes on the clock, the deadlock was finally broken via Arsenal man Merino. It was a sight which is beginning to become a common one for Gunners fans, as the 29-year-old rose the highest to power the ball into the corner of the net. Pedri was involved again, as his clipped pass was headed into the centre by Robin Le Normand. The task was no easy one for Merino, but he finished emphatically.
Goalscorer almost turned provider mere moments later, as a poor pass by Vutsov allowed Merino to play the ball into the waiting Aghehowa. The ball slightly behind him, the 21-year-old sliced wide, off balance when he probably should have been more composed.
Spain had a massive 18 attempts on goal before half-time to Bulgaria's one, which was a good chance just before half-time, as Kiril Despodov raced through on goal but could only put the ball wide at the near post.
The second half would be more of the same. Aghehowa was replaced at the break by Borja Iglesias, but the Celta Vigo striker would fare no better as he missed multiple presentable opportunities, placing a free header wide with Vutsov beaten.
Merino would, once again, show his team-mates how it is done with another headed goal, this time from an Alex Grimaldo cross from the left. The goalkeeper will be disappointed he couldn't keep it out, but the power generated by the head of Merino was too much and the result was safe by the hour mark.
The icing was put on the cake late on, first via the unfortunate boot of Chernev, before Oyarzabal emphatically converted from the spot to seal a comfortable Spanish victory.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportThe MVP
An honourable mention must go to Pedri, who ran the show in the first half and could have contributed to five goals on another day. But the evening undoubtedly belonged to Merino, who has struck six goals in four World Cup qualifying matches for Spain and is staking his claim to being a key part of Luis de la Fuente's squad for the World Cup in the US, Mexico and Canada next summer. He might be disappointed not to have been given the chance to complete his hat-trick after winning the penalty in stoppage time.
Merino has a true knack for scoring key goals at important moments, both for Spain and Arsenal, and particularly with his head. This match marked his ninth and tenth goals for Spain in 39 appearances, an outstanding record for a midfielder. Though it is not out of the question that he could be used as a make-shift striker too, if need be.
The big loser
Though Merino's clinical finishing won the day, this was whole-heartedly not an evening to be remembered for the strikers of both sides. Aghehowa should have scored at least once, probably twice, though he was making just his first international start and is still a young player. His half-time replacement, Iglesias, fared no better as he placed a gilt-edged header wide of the goal. Spain were ultimately fortunate that Merino was on such great form, or else their dominance may have come to nothing.
At the other end, Despodov also had a poor day at the office as the Bulgaria striker missed two big opportunities, one in each half. He allowed Le Normand and Aymeric Laporte to catch him up when running through in the first half, putting the ball disappointingly wide. When given a later opportunity, he slid wide with only Unai Simon to beat.
Match rating (out of five): ⭐⭐⭐⭐
