Torres hasn't scored a European goal all season but Benitez is backing the striker to end his goal drought in the home game against Lille and to fire the Reds into the next round.
"It was really important to see Fernando fighting from the beginning because it sent a very good message to the other players," said the boss.
"He was trying to win balls in the air, running and chasing defenders and for the rest of the team that was a good message and maybe he can be an inspiration too.
"The main thing is the attitude.
"Any player in our team has attitude and they are good players and they can play well like Fernando.
"He is a top-class player, he has a good attitude and he can score and be a problem for all defenders.
"At home normally you are attacking more and have more options and opportunities so for a striker it is easier.
"Statistically you have more chances. Away it is more difficult because sometimes you have to play on your own and your team-mates have to go and support you so it is different.
"He was doing well in Lille but it was difficult for him because they have pace, are comfortable in possession and going forward are a threat - so we had to defend.
"You cannot defend against a team with this pace too high because they will get men behind but you cannot defend too deep because they have ability.
"So for our defenders to defend and then go and support Fernando was not easy.
"Ryan was doing well, Kuyt was doing well, Gerrard was doing well, Lucas and Javier had to work very hard in defence."