Watch: Modric schools Mbappe after Real Madrid forward tried to win penalty call | OneFootball

Croatia secured a commanding 2-0 victory over France at home in the first leg of their Nations League quarterfinal clash, with Luka Modric leading his nation past Kylian Mbappe’s side in a showdown between Real Madrid’s two biggest stars.

While they may now be teammates at the Santiago Bernabeu, the intensity of international competition was on full display, culminating in a heated moment between the two captains in the dying minutes of the match at the Poljud Stadium.

Modric confronts Mbappe over late penalty claim

As France desperately searched for a lifeline, Mbappe attempted to break into the Croatian penalty area, only to be met head-on by Modric himself.

The French forward went down under pressure, seemingly looking for a penalty, but instead of sympathy, he was met with a sharp rebuke from the Croatian veteran.

Modric wasted no time in calling out his Madrid teammate, accusing him of trying to win a soft foul. The heated exchange didn’t escalate beyond the moment, but it was clear that the battle lines had been drawn.

Mbappe’s frustration evident after final whistle

Despite their club connection, neither player backed down in the heat of the contest.

Mbappe’s disappointment was visible as he left the pitch with a stern expression, unable to hide his frustration at both the defeat and the late-game incident with Modric.

While this tense moment will likely be forgotten once they reunite at Real Madrid’s training ground, it serves as a reminder that national pride often outweighs club camaraderie—at least when the stakes are high.

With the return leg still to come, the battle between Modric and Mbappe is far from over, and France will be desperate to turn the tie around on home soil.