Spain initially sent a larger fleet, forcing the French to withdraw. France then returned with reinforcements and defeated the Spanish at the Battle of the Lipari Islands, also called the first Battle of Stromboli. Spain subsequently asked its Dutch allies for help. The January 1676 battle followed this escalation of fleet deployments around Sicily.
Notable Point · 15:39-17:40
The Lipari defeat makes Dutch intervention necessary
A French victory over Spain at the Lipari Islands, also called the first Battle of Stromboli, sets up de Ruyter's arrival in the campaign.