Atletico Madrid playing a 1-1 draw against struggling Deportivo La Coruna in a Spanish league match was overshadowed by an injury scare involving striker Fernando Torres on Thursday.
Torres collapsed unconscious after colliding heads in a ball dispute late in the game in La Coruna. Players from both teams immediately rushed toward Torres and desperately called for medical help.
He was assisted for several minutes before being taken away on a stretcher.
Torres tweeted from hospital: "Thank you all for your concern and your messages of support. It was just a scare. I hope to be back very soon."
Atletico said initial tests showed "no alterations" or "traumatic injuries" to the player's head or spine.
"He is stable and conscious," the club tweeted. "He'll spend the night in hospital and undergo more tests tomorrow (Friday)."
Florin Andone put Deportivo ahead early at Riazor Stadium, and Antoine Griezmann equalized for Atletico with a remarkable long-range shot in the second half.
"In the end the result doesn't mean anything," Griezmann said. "We just want to know how Fernando is doing and we hope that he will be with us again soon."
The game was nearing its end when the former Spain international was hit from behind by Deportivo midfielder Alex Bergantinos just outside the penalty area in Atletico's own field.
Torres had substituted in for Kevin Gameiro in the 65th minute.
The draw kept Deportivo one point above the relegation zone, and dropped Atletico 11 points behind leader Barcelona, who routed Sporting Gijon 6-1 on Wednesday.
Second-place Real Madrid, who drew at home against Las Palmas 3-3 on Wednesday, are one point behind Barcelona.
Deportivo, who had lost four in a row and remains winless in eight games, introduced newly signed coach Pepe Mel. The team has a game in hand, against Real Betis.
