In March 1868, most of the Paraguayan forces abandoned the Fortress of Humaitá, under Francisco Solano López's command, in order to set up a defence line in the margins of the Tebicuary river.

The Allied march was slowed, giving López enough time to reinforce the Pikysyry lines.

After the fight, Paraguayan forces retreated towards Villeta, crossing the Ypané river and camping in a fortified spot, where their troops could gather their strength in relative safety and prepare for a new battle.

The flanking attacks by the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Cavalry Divisions into the Paraguayan rear made escape impossible.

The Paraguayan survivors, fewer than 50, retreated to Lomas Valentinas, where López had assembled 3,000 troops, plus another 2,000 at Pikysyry, and 700 at Angostura.