Battle of Alba de Tormes

Taking advantage of the precipitate withdrawal of Duke del Parque's Spanish troops after Tamames, General Kellermann launched a rapid pursuit. The Spanish rearguard, surprised near the bridge at Alba de Tormes, was attacked by French cavalry before the entire army could cross the river. Enemy formations were broken and artillery captured.

After Marchand's defeat at Tamames, the Spanish had attempted an advance on Salamanca. But defeat at Ocaña in the south forced them to withdraw. Duke del Parque decided on a rapid retreat westward, leaving his army vulnerable. Kellermann, with a mobile force, seized the opportunity for a surprise attack.

Kellermann concentrated his forces on the Spanish left wing in the process of crossing. His cavalry struck disorganized columns while infantry fixed the center. Spanish artillery, poorly positioned, was quickly captured. The effect of surprise was total.

The Spanish army of the north was dislocated. This French victory consolidated imperial control over Old Castile. It prevented any junction between Spanish armies of the north and south. The province of Salamanca fell back under French domination.