After a series of victories in 1641 and 1642 the French Navy dominated the Western Mediterranean Sea.

At that time, the Spanish Navy did not dare to show itself off the Catalan coast.

On 3 September at 7:00 AM Maillé-Brézé attacked with favorable winds and dispersed the enemy fleet.

He sank 2 galleons and captured 2 others, while the rest of the Spanish fleet retreated into the port of Cartagena.

The port was closed by the Duke of Fernandina and no Spanish ship left the harbour for more than a year.