[1][2] The revolt had started in May–June 1640 and as a reaction the Spanish Army had occupied Tortosa in Catalonia in September.

On 8 December a large army under Pedro Fajardo de Zúñiga y Requesens headed for Barcelona, passing through Cambrils.

After several days of bombardment and heavy fighting the Spanish captured the town.

The Spanish army then continued in the direction of Barcelona, taking Tarragona on 24 December.

Later this army was decisively defeated in the Battle of Montjuïc on 23 January.