Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez praised his side's ability to ignore the distractions of the Champions League and secure a battling win.
Dirk Kuyt came off the bench to head home the winner with five minutes remaining after Reading's Brynjar Gunnarson had cancelled out Alvaro Arbeloa's first-half opener.
Liverpool face PSV Eindhoven in the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final on Wednesday night having secured a 3-0 lead in Holland last week.
And Benitez said: "It was difficult after a Champions League game and with the players focusing on the Champions League.
"It was difficult to play against a physical team who were pressing and working hard to the end. The players have done a very good job.
"We knew the experience Manchester United had here when they were winning 3-0 after six minutes and then Reading came back to make it 3-2."
The win strengthened Liverpool's chances of finishing in the top four of the Premiership and securing Champions League qualification.
Benitez said: "Hopefully we will reach the semi-final of the Champions League and I hope we can be sure we are in the top four so we can concentrate on that."
Xavi Alonso was rested as a precaution but is expected to be fit for the PSV game - and Benitez vowed not to rest any players despite Liverpool's lead.
Reading 1 Liverpool 2
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article