Ali Pasha initiated the battle, however his reasoning for doing so has been disputed. Some believe that he may have been encouraged by the Holy League's smaller numbers and underestimated the Christians, while others believe he may have feared displeasing the Sultan who had previously commanded him to engage the enemy. Others however point to his lack of naval experience as what caused the defeat at Lepanto. His flagship, the galley "Sultana", battled head-to-head with Don Juan's flagship "La Real", was boarded and, after about one hour of bloody fighting, with reinforcements being provided to both sides by other galleys in their respective fleets, was captured. In the ensuing battle, Ali Pasha was slain and his head was then displayed upon a pike. This, and the capture of the Banner of the Caliphs by "La Real", led to a collapse in Turkish morale, greatly contributing to their rout in the battle.