"Fernando showed pace and quality, it was a great goal for him, for us and for the supporters."
Benitez also defended Torres from Chelsea claims that he was going down too easily after challenges.
Benitez said: "Torres learned a lot from this game, but it is too early to judge him, he will need a little more time.
"He was playing against the best defenders in England, and he had no problems.
"They were intimidating the referee about him, but if Torres was on the ground it was because he had been kicked and was limping.
"But I am very pleased, for the future it was positive. He showed the quality he has and we will see more goals from him."