{"id":8655,"date":"2025-10-15T10:34:48","date_gmt":"2025-10-15T07:34:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ng\/news\/?p=8655"},"modified":"2025-10-15T10:34:49","modified_gmt":"2025-10-15T07:34:49","slug":"mikel-merino-brace-powers-spain-to-4-0-win-over-bulgaria-in-world-cup-qualifiers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ng\/news\/mikel-merino-brace-powers-spain-to-4-0-win-over-bulgaria-in-world-cup-qualifiers\/","title":{"rendered":"Mikel Merino Brace Powers Spain to 4\u20130 Win Over Bulgaria in World Cup Qualifiers"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p>Spain continued their dominant run in the <strong>2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers<\/strong>, cruising to a <strong>4\u20130 victory over Bulgaria<\/strong> in Madrid. The night belonged to <strong>Mikel Merino<\/strong>, who scored twice to extend his red-hot form for the national team, as <strong>La Roja<\/strong> moved closer to securing their World Cup spot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>\u26bd Merino\u2019s Masterclass Leads the Way<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Real Sociedad\u2019s midfield dynamo <strong>Mikel Merino<\/strong> was at the heart of everything Spain did well. The 28-year-old opened the scoring in the <strong>35th minute<\/strong> with a towering header before doubling his tally in the <strong>57th minute<\/strong> with a well-placed strike from the edge of the box.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Merino has now scored <strong>six goals in his last four international appearances<\/strong>, underlining his transformation into one of Spain\u2019s most important players under coach <strong>Luis de la Fuente<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignwide size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"449\" height=\"473\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ng\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Spain-v-Bulgaria-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8658\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ng\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Spain-v-Bulgaria-1.jpg 449w, https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ng\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Spain-v-Bulgaria-1-285x300.jpg 285w, https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ng\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Spain-v-Bulgaria-1-150x158.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ng\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Spain-v-Bulgaria-1-300x316.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 449px) 100vw, 449px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">photo courtesy<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI\u2019m just happy to help the team. We\u2019re all working toward one goal \u2014 reaching the World Cup,\u201d said Merino after the game.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>\ud83d\udd25 Spain in Complete Control<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Spain dominated possession and territory throughout the match, displaying their trademark <strong>tiki-taka football<\/strong> with clinical finishing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>A. Chernev (own goal, 79\u2019)<\/strong> added Spain\u2019s third after intense pressure forced a defensive error.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Mikel Oyarzabal (90+2\u2019)<\/strong> sealed the win in stoppage time, finishing off a slick passing move to send the fans at the <strong>Santiago Bernab\u00e9u<\/strong> into celebration.<br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignwide size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"460\" height=\"536\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ng\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Spain-v-Bulgaria-4.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8661\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ng\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Spain-v-Bulgaria-4.jpg 460w, https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ng\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Spain-v-Bulgaria-4-257x300.jpg 257w, https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ng\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Spain-v-Bulgaria-4-150x175.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ng\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Spain-v-Bulgaria-4-300x350.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 460px) 100vw, 460px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">@sefutbol<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Bulgaria, meanwhile, struggled to keep up with Spain\u2019s pace and creativity, registering few meaningful chances on goal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>\ud83c\udfc6 La Roja Edge Closer to World Cup Qualification<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This commanding win keeps Spain <strong>top of their qualification group<\/strong>, needing just one more win to officially secure a ticket to the <strong>2026 World Cup<\/strong> in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Spain\u2019s unbeaten run now stretches to <strong>eight matches<\/strong>, with the team showing a blend of youth and experience that has reignited belief among supporters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>\ud83e\udde0 Merino\u2019s Incredible Form<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Merino\u2019s current streak is nothing short of remarkable \u2014 <strong>six goals in his last four international matches<\/strong>, showcasing his growing attacking instincts from midfield.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignwide size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"450\" height=\"551\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ng\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Spain-v-Bulgaria-3.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8660\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ng\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Spain-v-Bulgaria-3.jpg 450w, https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ng\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Spain-v-Bulgaria-3-245x300.jpg 245w, https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ng\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Spain-v-Bulgaria-3-150x184.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ng\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Spain-v-Bulgaria-3-300x367.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">@premierleague<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>His composure, vision, and late runs into the box have added a new dimension to Spain\u2019s game. With form like this, he\u2019s quickly becoming one of the key figures in La Roja\u2019s resurgence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>\ud83d\udcca Match Summary: Spain 4\u20130 Bulgaria<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Scorer<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Minute<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Team<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Mikel Merino<\/td><td>35\u2019<\/td><td>Spain<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Mikel Merino<\/td><td>57\u2019<\/td><td>Spain<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>A. Chernev (OG)<\/td><td>79\u2019<\/td><td>Spain<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Mikel Oyarzabal<\/td><td>90+2\u2019<\/td><td>Spain<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignwide size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"441\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ng\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Spain-v-Bulgaria-2.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8659\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ng\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Spain-v-Bulgaria-2.jpg 441w, https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ng\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Spain-v-Bulgaria-2-248x300.jpg 248w, https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ng\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Spain-v-Bulgaria-2-150x181.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ng\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Spain-v-Bulgaria-2-300x363.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 441px) 100vw, 441px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">photo courtesy<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>\ud83d\uddd3\ufe0f What\u2019s Next for Spain<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Spain will face <strong>Georgia<\/strong> in their next qualifier, where a win would mathematically confirm their place at the 2026 World Cup. With players like <strong>Merino, Pedri, and Rodri<\/strong> in scintillating form, Spain look poised to make a deep run in North America.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Bet with\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ng-m\">Bangbet\u00a0<\/a>\u00a0\u2013 Unbeatable odds, expert football predictions, huge bonuses,<a href=\"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ng\/news\/\">\u00a0latest sports news\u00a0<\/a>&amp; responsible gambling focus. Win big, stay ahead\u2014your winning streak starts here!\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em><a href=\"http:\/\/bangbet.com\/\">Bangbet&nbsp;<\/a>More Than Win!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Spain continued their dominant run in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, cruising to a 4\u20130 victory over Bulgaria in Madrid. The night belonged to Mikel Merino, who scored twice to extend his red-hot form for the national team, as La Roja moved closer to securing their World Cup spot. \u26bd Merino\u2019s Masterclass Leads the [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":8657,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[35],"tags":[1416,1415,1413,1412,1414],"class_list":{"0":"post-8655","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-football-news","8":"tag-la-roja-world-cup-qualification","9":"tag-merino-spain-goals","10":"tag-mikel-merino-brace","11":"tag-spain-vs-bulgaria-4-0","12":"tag-spain-world-cup-qualifiers-2026"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ng\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8655","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ng\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ng\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ng\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/8"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ng\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8655"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ng\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8655\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":8662,"href":"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ng\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8655\/revisions\/8662"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ng\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/8657"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ng\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8655"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ng\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=8655"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ng\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8655"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}