Merino hits brace in Spain 4-0 win as La Roja edge closer to World Cup ticket

Spain secured a commanding 4-0 victory over Bulgaria in World Cup qualifying at Estadio Municipal Jose Zorrilla, with Mikel Merino scoring twice. 

The European Champions moved closer to next year’s finals, maintaining a perfect four wins from four in Group E.

An own goal by Atanas Chernev and a late penalty from Mikel Oyarzabal sealed the emphatic win for Luis de la Fuente’s side.

Early on, Samu Aghehowa tested Bulgaria’s goalkeeper Svetoslav Vutsov, who made a sharp save. Pedri nearly scored, striking the underside of the crossbar with a clever dinked effort.

Vutsov continued to frustrate Spain, denying Samu and Oyarzabal, while Bulgaria struggled to create chances, managing just 0.38 expected goals (xG) from three off-target shots.

The breakthrough came in the 35th minute when Merino powered a header past Vutsov, connecting with Robin Le Normand’s knockdown. 

After the break, Spain’s dominance persisted. Vutsov tipped a Borja Iglesias shot wide, but Merino struck again in the 57th minute, heading in Alex Grimaldo’s cross. 

The third goal arrived in the 79th minute when Chernev turned Garcia’s low cross into his own net. In stoppage time, Oyarzabal converted a penalty after Georgiev fouled Merino, completing the rout.

Merino’s two towering headers underscored his fine form, with six goals in four qualifiers, matching Kevin De Bruyne for the most among European midfielders. 

Le Normand also shone, contributing to four goals in his last five games for club and country, a stark contrast to his previous 103 appearances. Spain’s 33 attempts, worth 3.87 xG with 11 on target, highlighted their control.

La Roja’s unbeaten run in competitive matches now stands at 29 (W24 D5), equaling their historic streak from 2010 to 2013. With this performance, Spain are on the verge of securing World Cup qualification, showcasing their depth, precision, and relentless attacking prowess.