After the conquest of Teruel by the Republican army on 7 January, the Nationalists started an offensive to conquest the high ground around Teruel on 17 January and occupied the heights of La Muela.

Nevertheless, the Republican troops, led by Hernandez Saravia and backed by the International Brigades,[9] stopped the Nationalist offensive on 27 January.

On 5 February, launched a major offensive towards the Alfambra River, along a front of 30 km.

[14] The three Nationalist army corps broke the Republican lines and advanced swiftly towards the Alfambra.

[19] By 20 February, the Republican communications to Valencia from Teruel had become threatened by the Nationalists, and Hernandez Saravia gave orders to withdraw from the city[20] although the Republicans managed to form a defence line along the right bank of the Alfambra on 25 February.