Units moving forward when they defeat an enemy

[Greyhawk1]

Is there any way to initiate combat without your units moving forward into the previously occupied square when the enemy unit is defeated?

 

[Sirp]

You can bombard them with catapults/cannons/artillery/etc. This won't kill them though, unless you have 'lethal bomard' turned on.

Also, if the enemies are in a stack, and you're attacking the top guy in the stack, then you won't advance onto the square.

If your enemy is on open land, and you're nearby, you can attack them with fast units (horsemen,knights,cavalry,tanks,etc), and then retreat immediately after.

Other than that, there's no way to do it. Try having good defensive units nearby to 'cover up' your uncovered attacker.