The latter called for help from the Almoravids, who had recently captured Murcia to the south. They sent a small group of warriors to the city, forcing the Castilian garrison to leave. Al-Qadir was captured and executed.

However, the Almoravids did not send enough forces to oppose El Cid's return and Ibn Jahhaf undermined his popular support by proceeding to install himself as ruler, acting like yet another Taifa king. El Cid began a long siege of the city,