Battle of Medina de Rioseco

The Battle of Medina de Rioseco saw Bessières's French forces attack a divided Spanish army. Taking advantage of poor coordination between Generals Blake and Cuesta, Bessières launched a decisive attack on the center and destroyed the union of enemy forces. It was one of the rare French successes at the start of the Peninsular War.

As the Spanish insurrection spread, the French army sought to secure the north of the country. The Spanish attempted a junction to cut French communications. Bessières anticipated this movement and struck between the two armies.

Bessières used the speed of Lasalle's cavalry to strike the junction between the two Spanish wings. French artillery pounded the center, and infantry exploited the confusion. Absence of unified Spanish command led to localized collapse.

This victory temporarily restored French authority over Old Castile. However, it was quickly eclipsed by the catastrophe at Bailén a few days later, which forced Joseph Bonaparte to leave Madrid.