Battle of Valmaseda

As a division of Marshal Victor advanced isolated at the front, Blake succeeded in surprising it with a force attack. The French were momentarily beaten and forced to withdraw. It was a rare Spanish success during the November campaign.

After Zornoza, Blake withdrew westward but seized the opportunity to strike an isolated French column. He sought to raise Spanish morale after several reverses. Victor advanced without immediate support, exposing his column head.

Blake engaged frontally while launching a lateral attack. The French division, surprised and poorly supported, withdrew in disorder. The engagement remained localized but violent, proving that the Spanish could still inflict losses on the French.

Despite this tactical success, Blake had to retreat quickly before the arrival of the bulk of French forces. The battle had no lasting strategic effect, but was exploited by Spanish propaganda as a symbol of resistance.