Bulgaria 0-3 Spain: Goals and Highlights
Summary
September 4, 2025 Spain started their FIFA World Cup 2026 UEFA qualifying campaign with a 3-0 win over Bulgaria at Vasil Levski Stadium in Sofia. Euro 2024 champions Spain, led by Luis de la Fuente, showed their attacking prowess and got three points in Group E with Turkey and Georgia. Bulgaria, under Ilian Iliev, couldn’t handle Spain’s 78% possession and are winless in their last six matches.
Goals
Spain scored in the 5th minute when Mikel Oyarzabal finished a beautiful pass from Martin Zubimendi. In the 30th minute Marc Cucurella doubled the lead with his first international goal, smashing a rebound from a Lamine Yamal cross into the top corner. The game was over in the 38th minute when Mikel Merino headed in a precise corner from Yamal, a great first half for Spain. Bulgaria’s Radoslav Kirilov hit the post but couldn’t convert their few chances.
Player of the Match
Mikel Oyarzabal was the Player of the Match for his early goal and for being a threat all game. His goal set the tone for Spain’s dominance and showed his value in Luis de la Fuente’s team.
Match Highlights
Spain overwhelmed Bulgaria with their passing and pressing. Lamine Yamal was a joy to watch and Zubimendi was visionary. Rodri Hernandez and Dani Carvajal were good as substitutes. Bulgaria’s five man defense, led by Dimitar Mitov, couldn’t handle the pressure and Kiril Despodov couldn’t spark a comeback. Spain’s goalkeeper Unai Simón was barely touched, they were in control. This win puts Spain as Group E favourites, next up is Turkey on September 7.
