Overview
- Spain beat Bulgaria 4-0 in Valladolid to make it four wins from four in Group E, with a 15-0 aggregate and no goals conceded.
- Mikel Merino scored two headers and won stoppage time’s penalty that Mikel Oyarzabal converted to complete the scoreline.
- Stat platforms rated Merino’s display among the best of the round, with a 10/10 from Sofascore and a 9.9 reported by WhoScored, as he reached six goals in his last four Spain games.
- Martin Zubimendi drew praise after 63 controlled minutes in midfield, registering about 90 touches and completing 81 of 82 passes.
- Luis de la Fuente hailed Merino as an exceptionally complete player on the level of Pedri, Oyarzabal and Rodri, reinforcing media debate over the Arsenal man’s most effective role.