Atletico Madrid's Antoine Griezmann scored with a brilliant dipping shot to secure a 1-1 draw at Deportivo La Coruna in La Liga on Thursday although the goal was overshadowed by Fernando Torres being carried off on a stretcher wearing a neck brace.

Former Spain striker Torres fell face down on the pitch in the 85th minute after challenging for the ball with Alex Bergantinos and required urgent treatment from the physios.

Players from both teams looked concerned as an eerie silence fell over the Riazor stadium while the home fans applauded Torres, who had regained consciousness, as he left the pitch.

A statement from Atletico said the 32-year-old Torres had suffered head trauma and would spend the night under medical observation in a hospital in Coruna. The former Liverpool and Chelsea striker soon issued a short statement to confirm he was ok. He said: "It was just a scare. I hope to come back very soon."

Torres was involved in a sickening clash of heads (Getty)

Atletico coach Simeone had said in his post-match press conference: "We still don't have any official information but he's conscious.

"Worried, nervous....those are the feelings after he suffered such a heavy blow.

"We heard the blow from the bench, we saw how he fell and we were afraid. We didn't know if that noise was Fernando's neck or not.

"They are unfortunate situations that happen in matches and we're hoping for the best for Fernando."

Torres left the pitch in an ambulance as the Estadio Riazor fell silent (Getty)

Deportivo's former West Bromwich Albion and Real Betis manager Pepe Mel had earlier seen his side take a surprise lead in his first game in charge when Florin Andone pounced on a terrible goal kick from Jan Oblak to score in the 13th minute.

Oblak mis-hit the ball and it was headed towards a surprised Jose Gimenez but Romanian forward Andone was more alert and intercepted before slipping the ball past the keeper.

Atletico's France international Griezmann levelled in the 68th after playing a one-two with Yannick Carrasco and calmly sending the ball spinning at speed over keeper German Lux.

The draw takes Atletico on to 46 points, one point clear of Real Sociedad in the fight for fourth spot after the Basques were held to a 2-2 draw at home to Eibar on Tuesday.

Deportivo are a point above the relegation zone after ending a four-game losing streak which saw Gaizka Garitano sacked.