Striker Fernando Torres was taken to a hospital after collapsing and losing consciousness from a clash of heads in a Spanish league game on Thursday.

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

Initial tests showed no signs of any serious spine or head injuries, but the former Spain striker will remain hospitalised as a precaution, Atletico said.

"He is stable and conscious," the club tweeted. "He'll spend the night in hospital and undergo more tests tomorrow (Friday)."

The 32-year-old 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.

"(He) had to be rushed in an ambulance after being stabilised according to the usual protocol," Atletico said on its website.

"Everybody was speechless in the dressing room because of what happened," said Griezmann.

"It wasn't a good movement," Atletico coach Diego Simeone said. "But situations like this unfortunately can happen in the game. We hope the best for Torres."

Torres, a former Liverpool and Chelsea player, won two European Championships and one World Cup with Spain.

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.