 Victor was disappointed that Villatte had failed to block the Cádiz road for longer , but he was still confident that his main force could drive the Allies into the sea . He could see that the bulk of the Spanish troops had taken station opposite Villatte and , on hearing reports that Barrosa Ridge was deserted , realised that here was an opportunity to take this commanding position . Ruffin was ordered to occupy the heights while Leval struck at Graham 's troops in the woods , and three squadrons of dragoons were sent around the Cerro to take the coastal track . 
