The first half looked like a scene from another play: three goals, two by Merino (22’, 45+1’, 57’) two by Pedri (6’, 62’) and one by Ferran Torres (53’), but also 13 finals in just 45 minutes. The Spaniards were not just playing, but creating art with the ball. Pendry provided assists with surgical precision, Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal constantly pierced the defense, while goalkeeper Cakir kept the score at a tolerable level. 3-0 was almost flattering for the Turks, as the match could have been over before half-time.

The greatest strength of this Spain, however, is not only possession. In the second half, De la Fuente showed that his team knows how to win in other ways: with rapid counterattacks, with direct transitions, with deadly finishes. Ferran, Oyarzabal and again Merino completed a performance that was reminiscent of the great nights of the past, but with new ingredients. This Spain can breathe without the ball, adapt to the opponent and punish them in every way.

The protagonists are many. Pedri emerges as a natural leader, combining maturity with creativity that is rarely seen at such a young age. Merino, once a "worker" in midfield, is transformed into an unexpected performer. Nico and Lamine bring freshness, speed and boldness, while Zubimenti, Cucurella and Huissen ensure balance. And all this behind the security offered by Unai Simon under the posts.

27 matches unbeaten

The streak of 27 matches without defeat is not just a number, but proof of consistency and stability. De la Fuente is not a coach who "chases" only the result. He manages the roster, allocates time, dares to give opportunities to young players like De Frutos while keeping the experienced satisfied. This balance brings energy and motivation to a team that seems to have found its way back to dominance.

Turkey, with its hot atmosphere, did not even manage to scare it. On the contrary, the game showed that Spain has the composure and self-control to remain faithful to its plan, even in a hostile environment. The Ikonia audience, which usually turns the stadium into hell, silently bowed to the superiority of “Roja”.

This Spain is not the same one we remember from the “tiki-taka” era. It is more direct, more vertical, hungrier. It has kept the identity of possession, but has enriched it with intensity, with strength and with the ability to adapt. This makes them even more unpredictable and even more dangerous.

If they keep up this pace, they are not just a contender for the 2026 World Cup. They are the favorite. Because this Spain doesn't just win games; they leave behind memorable performances, nights that remind everyone what football means when it reaches perfection.