FC Sheriff's Traore goes down clutching chest sparking concern vs Real Madrid

FC Sheriff Tiraspol star Adama Traore went to ground clutching his chest in concerning scenes during Wednesday night's Champions League encounter against Real Madrid.

The forward has caught the eye with his performances for the Moldovan champions in this year's competition but had to receive urgent medical attention following the incident.

The 26-year-old had evaded a challenge from Madrid defender Nacho Fernandez as the ball went out of play, but as Traore turned away and began walking back onto the pitch, he suddenly clutched his chest and slumped to the ground.

He remained lying on the pitch for several seconds and even though he was visibly breathing, the Malian striker's eyes were shut and he appeared to be in discomfort.

Fortunately, the incident occurred close to the touchline and the home side's medical staff were able to attend to the player urgently.

Smelling salts were immediately placed below the player's nose to maintain his consciousness, and whilst he was shaking his head in response - he continued to be inactive and not strongly reacting to the smells.

The incident took place in the 77 th minute of the encounter and after a short period of treatment, Traore was able to finally sit up and was assisted off the pitch by the medics.

He was helped into the changing rooms by the club's medical team and was promptly substituted off, with the reasons behind the episode unclear.

The match did not have a lengthy stoppage as Traore had remained conscious throughout the episode.

Real Madrid won the encounter in Tiraspol by three goals with David Alaba, Toni Kroos and Karim Benzema all on target for Carlo Ancelotti's side.

It was a result which booked the Spanish club's place in the Round of 16 of the competition, with their progress from the group complementing that of Inter.

The Italian club defeated Shakhtar Donestk 2-0 earlier in the day meaning they progressed to the Champions League knockouts for the first time since 2012.

Moldovan champions FC Sheriff had been the underdog story of the competition so far this season, having defeated Shakhtar - a game in which Traore had opened the scoring and scored the club's first ever goal at that stage of the competition - and Madrid in their opening two matches; memorably clinching a last-minute victory in the Spanish capital on matchday two.

FC Sheriff will be one of 32 teams in the Europa League knockout stages, courtesy of their third-place finish in the group - with basement side Shakhtar now unable to catch them.