Enghien was still in pursuit of the Walloons when an officer rode up with news of the disaster that had befallen the rest of the army.

Enghien grasped the situation instantly, and his military genius pointed out how the battle might yet be retrieved.

His trumpets instantly recalled his scattered squadrons, and galloping round the Spanish centre he fell like a thunderbolt upon the rear of de Malo's cavalry, already exulting in what appeared certain victory.
Astounded at this unlooked for attack, they in vain bore up and tried to resist it; but the weight and impetus of the French assault bore all before it, and they clove their way through the confused mass of cavalry without a pause.

Then wheeling right and left they charged into the disorganized crowd of German horsemen, who, unable to withstand this terrible onslaught, broke and fled, de Malo himself galloping off the field with his disorganized troopers.

Never was a more sudden change in the fate of a great battle.