October 15, (THEWILL) — Spain moved closer to World Cup qualification after defeating Bulgaria 4-0 in Group E, with Arsenal midfielder, Mikel Merino, scoring twice in a dominant performance. Luis de la Fuente’s European champions now have four victories from four matches and are on the verge of punching their tickets to next year’s finals.
The visitors struggled early despite their possession, with Samu Aghehowa and Pedri both denied before the breakthrough arrived. Pedri’s dinked effort struck the underside of the crossbar, whilst Bulgarian goalkeeper Svetoslav Vutsov produced several important saves to keep out Samu and Mikel Oyarzabal during the opening exchanges.
Merino broke the deadlock in the 35th minute, powering a header over Vutsov after connecting with Robin Le Normand’s knockdown. The midfielder doubled his tally 12 minutes into the second half, heading Alex Grimaldo’s cross into the bottom-left corner to extend Spain’s advantage.
Aleix Garcia’s low delivery was turned into his own net by Atanas Chernev with 11 minutes remaining, adding a third goal for the hosts. Spain completed the emphatic win in stoppage time when Oyarzabal converted from the penalty spot after Martin Georgiev fouled Merino inside the area, firing into the bottom-right corner.
The result leaves Spain in firm control of their qualifying group, with de la Fuente’s side demonstrating the quality that saw them crowned European champions. Bulgaria offered little attacking threat throughout the match at the other end, failing to test Spain’s defence meaningfully.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
