But this second battle of Arcola proved no more decisive than the first; for Alvinzi still contrived to maintain his main force unbroken in the difficult country behind; and Buonaparte again retreated to Ronco.
The third day was decisive.

On this occasion also he carried Arcola; and, by two stratagems, was enabled to make his victory effectual.

An ambuscade, planted among some willows, suddenly opened fire on a column of Croats, threw them into confusion, and, rushing from the concealment, crushed them down into the opposite bog, where most of them died.
Napoleon was anxious to follow up this success by charging the Austrian main body on the firm ground behind the marshes.

But it was no easy matter to reach them there.

He had, in various quarters, portable bridges ready for crossing the ditches and canals; but the enemy stood in good order, and three days' hard fighting had nearly exhausted his own men.