Real Madrid chief Butragueno: Benzema is essential for this team

Real Madrid chief Emilio Butragueno says captain Karim Benzema remains the team's "cornerstone".

Benzema proved the matchwinner against Champions League opponents Liverpool this week.

And with Benzema's contract running down this season, 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."

There's a confidence Benzema will sign a new deal to 2024.