MATCH REPORT | Big win, clean sheet, and one step closer to the World Cup (0–4)

With the responsibility that comes with contesting World Cup qualification, the Spanish national team visited Tbilisi, Georgia, for the fourth time, taking to the pitch at the Boris Paichadze National Stadium. Luis de la Fuente’s side aimed to secure all three points while hoping for a slip-up from Turkey, who were playing Bulgaria simultaneously in Bursa.

Spain began the match with a frenetic pace and came close to taking the lead on several occasions, with Ferran Torres and Oyarzabal creating the clearest chances. In the 8th minute, a cross from Ferran from the right struck the hand of Gocholeishvili. After consulting VAR, French referee Benoît Bastien awarded a penalty. Mikel Oyarzabal, celebrating his ‘golden anniversary’ with the national team, calmly converted from the spot to put Spain ahead.

The goal energized Spain, who continued to press on Mamardashvili’s goal. In the 18th minute, a powerful right-footed strike from Álex Baena rattled the post. Minutes later, a through ball from Fabián set Zubimendi one-on-one with the goalkeeper, and the Basque midfielder delicately lifted the ball over Mamardashvili into the net.

Spain’s dominance continued. Just past the half-hour mark, Oyarzabal turned provider, delivering a precise pass for Ferran Torres to score with his new number 7 shirt, netting his 23rd goal for Spain. This goal equaled the tally of two historic players, Alfredo Di Stéfano and Sergio Ramos, placing Ferran in the top ten all-time scorers for the national team. Shortly before halftime, only a superb save from Mamardashvili prevented Oyarzabal from scoring Spain’s fourth.

In the second half, Georgia pushed forward but could not seriously threaten Unai Simón’s goal. Spain continued their approach, exploiting the spaces left by Georgia’s higher defensive line. After attempts from Ferran and Merino, Spain scored the fourth. Ferran and Oyarzabal switched roles from the third goal, with Ferran providing the assist for Oyarzabal, who finished with a powerful header to the far post.

The match intensified in the 75th minute. Substituted Borja Iglesias came close to adding a fifth, and Georgia had their best chance of the game immediately after, only for Unai Simón to deny Kvaratskhelia with a brilliant save. As the match drew to a close, Gocholeishvili hit the post, and Baena tested Mamardashvili once more, but the score remained unchanged.

A remarkable performance from a record-breaking Spain, now unbeaten in 30 consecutive official matches, surpassing the 29-match record set by Vicente del Bosque’s team in 2013. With this victory, Luis de la Fuente’s side continue to lead their 2026 World Cup qualifying group with a perfect record: 15 points, 19 goals scored, and none conceded. Spain has also scored two or more goals in 12 matches and averages nearly four goals per game in this qualifying phase.