The King of Castile had in the meantime entered Portugal and laid siege to a castle called Almeida. While still besieging it, news came to him of how his fleet had routed Portugal's vessels, and how the galleys and all the men in them had been taken to Seville as prisoners. The king was greatly pleased with that message, both for the honour and victory he had gained and because he understood that the sea was now his. He was also pleased that the English would not dare to come to the aid of King Fernando, since Portugal's fleet was lost.

As soon as Prince João, who was then doing battle in the district alongside the banks of the Guadiana, found out about the loss of the Portuguese fleet, he went in haste to the King of Castile, asking him to be allowed to go to Seville so he could speak with some of the Portuguese who had been taken. He was convinced that among them there were some who would hand Lisbon over to him if he spoke to them about this matter, as they were from that city and were among the highest ranking and most prominent people who lived there. The king was very pleased with this and gave him the letters he asked for.

A few days later, the prince arrived in Seville and showed the letters so that the galleys he wanted should be armed and the [Portuguese] shipmasters he named should be handed over to him. Six galleys were armed at his request. Of the shipmasters of Portugal's galleys who had been captured, the following were handed over to him, and a few others that he picked: Estêvão Vasques Filipe, Gonçalo Vasques de Melo, Afonso Eanes das Leis, Giral Martins, Afonso Esteves de Azambuja, Gil Esteves Fariseu, among others.

The prince spoke with these men, telling them that he was sure, if they wished, that he could take Lisbon with the help of their criados and friends.