Fernando Torres scored the winner to power Rafa Benitez’s Liverpool to a 2-1 triumph over Reading in their Premier League game at Anfield on Saturday.

The teams were tied 1-1 at half time after Marek Matejovsky's goal for the Royals was cancelled out by Reds' midfielder Javier Mascherano.

After a slow start, the Reds were left in a shock in the 4th minute itself by an astonishing 18-yard strike from Matejovsky.

The Reds then exerted immense pressure to overcome the deficit. In the 12th minute, skipper Steven Gerrard put the ball through for ace striker Fernando Torres, but the Spanish international was thwarted by Reading goalkeeper Marcus Hahnemann.

The huge crowd at Anfield were sent into raptures when Reds midfielder Javier Mascherano fired home a blistering 20-yard right footer past Hahnemann. It was the Argentina midfielder's first goal for Rafa Benitez's side.

The hosts continued with their attacking style of play and came close to taking the lead on several occasions.

At the 30th minute-mark left winger Ryan Babel had an attempt at the rival goal, but Hahnemann managed to stop the ball from entering into the nets. Xabi Alonso also threatened to score with his long-range efforts.

In the second half, Liverpool looked determined to get the most out of the game and succeeded soon after the half time break to get their fifth successive league win.

Torres’ magic continued as he got his 27th goal in the season with a header.

The 23-year-old Reds' record signing netted his 20th Premiership goal for the Reds when he skilfully headed Gerrard’s free kick, from the left channel, into the Reading goal.

Few minutes later, Ryan Babel should have made it 3-1 for the home side but the winger shot over the cross bar, although being right in front of the Reading goal.

In the 72nd minute Fabio Aurelio’s scorching shot was kept at bay by Hahnemann.

Reading mounted some pressure on Liverpool’s defence at the fag end of the match, however the Reds held out for a 2-1 win.