The Spanish expeditionary force, which departed from Algeciras, was composed of 36,000 men, 65 pieces of artillery, and 41 ships, which included steamships, sailboats, and smaller vessels.

General Leopoldo O'Donnell personally took charge of the expedition and divided these forces into three corps.

On 1 January 1860, the Spanish monarch, present in Tetouan, encouraged her troops with a clear message “let’s demonstrate who we are“.

The Conde de Lucena began a march towards the objective of Tetuán, and was supported by forces composed of Catalan volunteers.

The Conde de Lucena returned with his troops to Spain; they camped at a spot north of Madrid while a triumphal entry into the capital was arranged.

The camp, which acquired permanent structures as well as shops over time, became the Madrid neighbourhood known as Tetuán de las Victorias.