Fernando Torres.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Fernando Torres scored twice as Liverpool beat Portsmouth 4-1 in the Premier League on Monday to keep the team's hopes alive of qualifying for the Champions League.

The Spain striker scored in the 26th and 77th minutes at Anfield either side of goals from Ryan Babel in the 28th and Alberto Aquilani in the 32nd. It was Aquilani's first goal for Liverpool since joining last year.

"We knew that it was a must-win game. Fortunately we did it and performed really well," Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina said. "When the team is playing well, we can score any time."

Nadir Belhadj scored a consolation goal back for Portsmouth in the 88th minute.

Liverpool improved to 51 points, one behind fourth-place Tottenham in the last Champions League position but Spurs have played a match less. Manchester City has 50 points and has played two less games than Liverpool.

Portsmouth remains last with 19 points and is almost certain to be relegated.

"It was a good game. We were trying to play well for the fans and score goals," Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez said. "It was an important goal in an important week.

"It was really good for Aquilani and really good for the team. He has shown he has quality and he will have more confidence and that is good. We have seen a lot of players playing well today and that is good for me because it gives me more (selection) problems."