Spain maintained their flawless record in Group E and moved within touching distance of a 13th consecutive FIFA World Cup appearance with a commanding 4-0 victory over Bulgaria at Valladolid’s Estadio José Zorrilla. The defeat leaves Bulgaria pointless and officially eliminated from contention.

Aleksandar Dimitrov made eight changes from Bulgaria’s humiliating 6-1 loss to Turkey in his debut match, including a start for goalkeeper Svetoslav Vutsov. The new shot-stopper was called into action early, saving Álex Baena’s strike inside nine minutes.

Spain quickly took control of possession, forcing Bulgaria deep into their own half. The hosts came close when Pedri’s through ball found Samu Aghehowa, whose shot was brilliantly kept out by Vutsov. Moments later, Pedri dribbled through the defense and chipped the goalkeeper, only to see his effort rebound off the crossbar.

Aghehowa, making his first international start, continued to threaten but was repeatedly denied by the inspired Bulgarian keeper. By the 30-minute mark, Spain had racked up 15 attempts, with Mikel Oyarzabal narrowly missing from distance before the breakthrough finally arrived.

Ten minutes before halftime, Robin Le Normand nodded a long pass across goal for Mikel Merino to head home his fifth goal of the qualifiers, giving Spain the lead their dominance deserved.

After the interval, Borja Iglesias had three quick chances to double the advantage, but Vutsov produced two fine saves before the striker headed wide from close range. Spain eventually found their second just after the hour mark, as Merino rose highest again to power in Alejandro Grimaldo’s cross and complete his brace.

Bulgaria nearly pulled one back when Kiril Despodov raced clear and beat Unai Simón, only to see his shot roll agonizingly wide of the far post. Spain, however, remained in full control. Substitutes Pablo Barrios and Yeremy Pino both made an impact, with Pino’s low cross 11 minutes from time forcing defender Atanas Chernev to turn the ball into his own net on his debut.

In stoppage time, another Bulgarian debutant, Martin Georgiev, brought down Merino in the area, allowing Oyarzabal to confidently convert from the spot to complete the 4-0 rout.

With this result, Spain have now scored 15 goals without conceding in Group E, while Bulgaria’s miserable run continues — five straight defeats with an aggregate score of 20-1.