Concern for Fernando Torres overshadowed Atletico Madrid's 1-1 draw at Deportivo la Coruna on Thursday as the former Liverpool suffered a "traumatic brain injury" after being knocked unconscious.

Torres was hit from behind by Deportivo's Alex Bergantinos in a clash of heads five minutes from time and hit the ground hard as he appeared to have already lost consciousness.

"Torres suffered a traumatic brain injury. He was taken to hospital for tests. He will spend the night under observation," Atletico said via their official Twitter account.

Players from both sides immediately called for medical attention when Torres hit the ground.

Distressed Atletico defender Jose Maria Gimenez was seen crying, whilst Deportivo fans gave the former Spanish international a standing ovation as he was carried from the field.

Atletico had to play out seven minutes of stoppage time with 10 men as they had already made all three substitutions.

Former West Bromwich Albion manager Pepe Mel was making his bow as Deportivo coach after only being hired on Wednesday.

And the hosts made the perfect start when Florin Andone capitalised on a poor goal kick from Jan Oblak to run through and slot past the Slovenian.

Deportivo could even have added to their lead before half-time as Gael Kakuta fired wastefully wide when clean through and Oblak redeemed himself was a fine save from Pedro Mosquera's acrobatic volley.

Atletico responded after half-time and equalised in stunning fashion 22 minutes from time when Antoine Griezmann thrashed home a shot from fully 30 yards.