 The two divisions of V Corps advanced one behind the other against Zayas's position. The first of these divisions, that of Girard, moved in ordre mixte — four battalions in column flanked on either side by a battalion in line, and further flanked by a battalion and a half in column — while Gazan's division moved in battalion column. Girard's tirailleurs engaged Zayas line and gradually thinned the Spanish front rank. When Girard's main column came within about 50 metres (55 yd) of the Spaniards, the skirmishers split to the left and right and the battalions behind them opened fire. The Spaniards held their ground, exchanging volleys with the French, and eventually repelled Girard's first attack.
