Goals: Mascherano 19', Torres 48' - Matejovsky 5'

Marek Matejovsky scored his first goal for Reading with a stunning 20-metre volley that flew in off the crossbar after only five minutes.

Javier Mascherano replied with his first goal for Liverpool, also a flyer from outside the box after 19 minutes.

Fernando Torres put Liverpool ahead with his 20th league goal of the season, heading home a Steven Gerrard free-kick early in the second half as the home side won their fifth successive league match.