Real Madrid chief Emilio Butragueno has hailed Real Madrid captain Karim Benzema, following another match-winning performance.

According to Butragueno, Benzema remains the team’s “cornerstone” in attack, and a master of football.

Benzema scored Madrid’s only goal against Champions League opponents Liverpool this week, to show his importance yet again to the team.

Butragueno said: “Karim scored against Liverpool, but he could have scored more than one goal.

“Benzema is a cornerstone of the our offensive game, a master of football and team play. It is essential for us to have a player like this in games like this.”

Reports have it that Madrid have reached an agreement to keep Benzema for another year, with his current contract due to expire in 2023.