In truth, Benedek's worries were correct. A strategy of attacking from both sides was indeed extremely risky. Leaving aside the danger of circling around to the rear in itself, even if they succeeded in doing so at this moment...
After Gelton's troops discovered their line of retreat had been cut off, they instead stopped panicking. The desperate strait of fighting with their backs to the water gave them the courage to continue the battle.
Gelton had twenty thousand men under his command. If they truly fought to the death, the Austrian Empire's side might not gain any advantage at all; at the very least, the price they paid would be far greater than expected.
According to Gablenz's experience, as long as they maneuvered around to the enemy's flank and rear, launching a sudden assault would throw the other side into chaos.
But things were somewhat different now, because Spain's unique terrain meant the Austrian Empire had stationed almost no cavalry in Spain.
As for the cavalry recruited locally in Spain, most lacked training, and the warhorses they rode were not suited for surprise attacks either.
The effect of an infantry surprise attack was much worse, and at this moment, it could not even be carried out at all.
When they encountered a difficult opponent or an army that remained calm in the face of danger, the Austrian Empire's troops would usually consider using Rockets to scour the ground and break the deadlock.
However, the Spanish recruits opposite them were no primitive tribesmen or troops with strict military discipline. These men had rich experience in guerrilla warfare, and the moment they realized they were being attacked from both front and rear, they began searching for cover.
A sheet of Rockets came crashing down. Mud and broken stone flew wildly, the earth