It was not until some time afterwards that Terence learned the particulars of this desperate engagement.

Beresford had 30,000 infantry, 2000 cavalry, and 38 guns; but the British infantry did not exceed 7000.

Soult had 4000 veteran cavalry, 19,000 infantry, and 40 guns.
The battle began badly.

Blake with his Spaniards were soon disposed of by the French and, in half an hour, the battle was all but lost; a brigade of the British infantry being involved in the confusion caused by the Spanish retreat, and two-thirds of its number being destroyed.

The whole brunt of the battle now fell upon the small British force remaining.