Battle of Cardedeu

Saint-Cyr, marching from Girona to relieve besieged Barcelona, faced a numerically inferior but solidly positioned Spanish army at Cardedeu. He concentrated his forces for a rapid frontal breakthrough that broke Spanish lines. Vives's army disintegrated and Saint-Cyr relieved the city shortly afterward.

The French garrison of Barcelona had been isolated for several weeks, encircled by Spanish troops. Napoleon entrusted Saint-Cyr with the mission of relieving it. The latter advanced without a supply line, counting on speed and surprise.

Saint-Cyr divided his troops into attack columns supported by artillery. He launched a breakthrough at the center, taking advantage of Vives's indecision. The Spanish left wing collapsed, and the French immediately exploited the breach. The speed of the assault prevented any counterattack.

The victory at Cardedeu relieved Barcelona and restored French control over the Catalan coastal region. It regained the initiative for the French in Catalonia and permitted an offensive toward Girona the following year.