The flagship fight left Bazán coordinating the center

Ali Pasha's attack nearly overran Don John's flagship, Real, during the central boarding fight. Marcantonio Colonna drove his own galley alongside and counterboarded, helping clear Real and carry the attack onto the Ottoman flagship. Troops from the Knights of St Stephen and other military orders fought with particular ferocity in the boarding actions. Sirocco's death meanwhile weakened the Ottoman landward wing. Don John remained personally absorbed in fighting Ali Pasha, leaving the wider coordination of the center to Álvaro de Bazán. The arrangement placed the most experienced naval professional in the position to reinforce formations while the political commander pursued the enemy flagship.