Battle of Almonacid

Venegas's Spanish forces, attempting to march on Madrid after the Battle of Talavera, were intercepted at Almonacid by General Sébastiani. Despite numerical superiority and a defensive position on the heights, the Spanish were repulsed after a series of coordinated assaults by French infantry and artillery. Their line gave way in the afternoon, followed by a disorganized retreat.

After Talavera, Venegas's army sought to exploit Madrid's supposed vulnerability. Napoleon ordered Sébastiani to stop it at all costs. Almonacid became the theater of this decisive confrontation between an ambitious Spanish army and an experienced French force.

Sébastiani engaged his troops in successive waves against heights occupied by the Spanish, while conducting a turning maneuver with his cavalry. French artillery played an essential role in dislocating the Spanish center, facilitating the final assault.

Sébastiani's victory allowed the French to retain control of Madrid and New Castile. It gravely disorganized the Army of La Mancha, which would take several months to reconstitute. Venegas was relieved of command.