Franco became trapped in an unimaginative strategy. The enormous expectations raised in October led to Nationalist efforts remaining focused on the capital. Since Varela's attacks had been checked and bombing had not broken the morale of the city, the only option left on the central front was to encircle Madrid from a flank, and cut off water and supplies and electricity from the Sierra de Guadarrama.
The first major assault was launched on 29th November against the Corunna Road to the northwest of Madrid. This first attack, mounted by 3000 Legion and Moroccon troops, broke the Republican brigade defending that area but a counterattack by T-26 tanks re-established the line.
General Orgaz replaced General Varela on the central front after this abortive attempt and on 16th December a second, more significant attack was made. The first objective was the village of Boadilla del Monte, 9 miles west of Madrid. It was captured that night, and the Republican general staff, realising that they faced a major offensive rather than a diversion, send XI and XII International Brigades, backed by Pavlov's T-26 tanks, to counterattack.
