Fernando Torres suffers head injury as Atletico salvage draw at Depor

Updated: May 17, 2023, 12:47 am

Atletico Madrid were held to a 1-1 draw at Deportivo La Coruna on Thursday, though the result was marred by a late head injury to Fernando Torres.

With Pepe Mel overseeing his first game since taking over as coach earlier this week, Depor took the lead in the 13th minute when Florin Andone capitalised on a mix-up between Atletico goalkeeper Jan Oblak and defender Jose Maria Gimenez.

But though Depor greatly controlled the first half, Atletico were able to equalise through Antoine Griezmann's spectacular strike in the 68th minute, as he caught out Depor keeper German Lux from 30 yards.

However, the game was mostly forgotten after Torres had to be stretchered to a waiting ambulance following a collision with fellow substitute Alex Bergantinos as they both went to head the ball in the 84th minute.

Fernando Torres came on as a substitute about 20 minutes before suffering a serious head injury.
Fernando Torres came on as a substitute about 20 minutes before suffering a serious head injury.
MIGUEL RIOPA/AFP/Getty Images

The former Liverpool and Chelsea frontman then crashed heavily to the turf, with his head clattering against the ground.

With players from both sides appearing very concerned by what they had seen, medical staff rushed over and Torres, who at least initially seemed to be unconscious, was subsequently taken off the pitch on a stretcher.

Atletico later released a statement that said Torres was stable and conscious in a hospital, where he will spend the night under observation.