The Russian General-in-chief, Kutusoff, fell into the snare Napoleon had held for him, and sent a large division of his army to turn the right of the French. The troops detached for this purpose met with unexpected resistance from Davoust, and were held in check at Raygern. Napoleon immediately seized the opportunity; they had left a deep gap in the line, and into that space Soult forthwith poured a force which entirely destroyed communication between the Russian centre and left. The Czar perceived the fatal consequences of this movement, and his guards rushed forward to beat back Soult. It was on an eminence, called the hill of Pratzen, that the encounter took place. The Russians began to drive the French infantry before them. Napoleon ordered Bessieres to hurry with the Imperial Guard to their rescue. The Russians were in some disorder and flushed with victory, but they resisted bravely, though they were finally broken and driven back. The Grand Duke Constantine, who had led them gallantly only escaped by the fleetness of his horse.

The French centre now advanced, and the charges of its cavalry were decisive. The Emperors of Russia and Germany beheld from the heights their right wing, which had hitherto stood well against the impetuosity of Lannes, forced down into a hollow under the incessant fire of artillery from above, where some small frozen lakes offered the only means of escape from the approaching cannonade.