In the ensuing engagement with French Marshal Jean-de-Dieu Soult's advance guard, British units were overwhelmed and forced to mount a hurried withdrawal across the bridge.

Moore, who was camped at Villafranca, half a day's march away in the direction of La Coruña, had ridden back to see Edward Paget whose elder brother Henry, Lord Paget, had led a successful cavalry clash at Benavente just a few days previously.

The rearguard of Moore's troops, having arrived at Cacabelos the previous day, and delayed by the effects of rioting and the severe cold, was preparing to cross the bridge,[2] when the 15th Hussars informed Paget that French cavalry units were rapidly approaching from Ponferrada.

Soon, between 450 and 500 troopers of the 15eme Chasseurs à Cheval and 3eme Hussards, Marshal Soult's advance guard, led by Brigadier General Auguste François-Marie de Colbert-Chabanais caught up with the tail end of the army,[2] capturing around 50 British soldiers caught by surprise.

Deciding to press his advantage, and without waiting for infantry or artillery support, Colbert prepared to attack the bridge.