After the Battle of Heiligerlee Louis of Nassau failed to capture the city Groningen. Louis was chased by Fernando Álvarez de Toledo, Duke of Alva and defeated at the Battle of Jemmingen on 21 July 1568.

Forces

The army of the Duke of Alva consisted of 12000 infantry (4 tercio's), 3000 cavalry and some guns.
The army of Louis of Nassau consisted of 10000 infantry (2 groups), some cavalry and 16 guns.

Battle

After three hours of skirmishes, Louis' army left its trenches and advanced. Due to effective musket fire and intimidated by the cavalry this turned into a general retreat towards the river Ems. The Duke of Alva lost 100 men. Louis of Nassau lost 7000 men.