The battle was fought between the royalist forces loyal to the Spanish crown, commanded by José Manuel de Ochoa, and the Mexican rebels fighting for independence from the Spanish Empire, commanded by Ignacio López Rayón.

He had begun his march after hearing news of the capture of many of the rebel leaders at Acatita de Baján.

Zacatecas was an important objective because it would provide much needed war supplies to rebel forces and thus, López Rayón was pursued by José Manuel de Ochoa in his march to the city.

Lopez Rayon and his army defeated their royalist pursuers but not in such a decisive way that they ended their pursuit.

On 15 April 1811, Lopez Rayon successfully reached Zacatecas and captured the city.