Portuguese General Matias de Albuquerque knew the Spanish were commanded by the Carlo Andrea Caracciolo, marquis of Torrecuso, a renowned military tactician, and wanted to affirm his own presence.

He crossed the frontier attacking, pillaging and burning Vilar del Rey, Puebla and Boca de Manfarete until reaching the town of Montijo, which surrendered without a fight.

[1][10][11] The panic spread to the rest of the cavalry on both flanks who abandoned the field through their own lines, taking refuge in woods near Xévora, leaving the infantry disorganized.

Taking advantage of the Spanish lack of reserves and dispersion, Albuquerque and his officers rallied some of the scattered troops and retook the Portuguese artillery.

[15] Madrid, as well as Lisbon[note 7] rejoiced with news of the battle that had great repercussion in the European courts,[16][17] which quickly acknowledged Portugal's independence.