Battle of Espinosa de los Monteros

After the surprise at Valmaseda, Victor pursued Blake and caught him at Espinosa. On 10 November the Spanish resisted the first attacks, but the next day Victor concentrated his forces, broke the Spanish center, and dispersed the army. It was a complete victory that temporarily eliminated the threat in the north.

Napoleon had just entered Spain with the Grande Armée. While he marched on Burgos, he ordered Victor to crush Spanish forces in the north. Blake, though numerically superior, failed to coordinate his units, poorly commanded and trained.

Victor used artillery to open the way, then concentrated attacks on the Spanish center. He maintained continuous pressure with wave assaults. French cavalry exploited breaches and cut the retreat of several units.

The destruction of Blake's army allowed the French to secure the northern flank before marching on Madrid. Spanish forces were dispersed in the mountains and would play no major role for several months.