Torres on target as Reds triumph

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Reading had taken the lead through Marek Matejovsky early on, with Javier Mascherano equalising before the break.

Torres' header early in the second period put Liverpool ahead but they had to withstand a determined fightback from the Berkshire side to make it seven wins on the trot.

Liverpool made two changes from the side that beat Inter Milan midweek in the San Siro with Xabi Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa returning, with Sami Hyypia and Lucas Leiva making way.

Alonso saw an early shot deflected into Marcus Hahnemann's arms, while Ryan Babel and Torres both looked confident and dangerous.

But Reading stunned their hosts with an exceptional goal after a free-kick wide on the left for Arbeloa's foul on Stephen Hunt.

John Oster guided the ball across the edge of the penalty area and the unmarked Matejovsky smashed a swerving volley into the top corner off the crossbar with Jose Reina motionless.

Mascherano then matched that effort, gaining possession 40 yards out and surging forward to lash the ball high past Marcus Hahnemann into the top right-hand corner.

Torres nodded home Steven Gerrard's pinpoint cross to establish a lead and despite loud penalty claims from the visitors late on when Gerrard charged down a Stephen Hunt shot, Liverpool held firm.