A weathered, dramatic highway sign that says "HELL IS REAL" on a stormy night, with the silhouettes of Columbus and Cincinnati soccer stadiums glowing in the distance on either side.
Columbus vs Cincinnati: The "Hell Is Real" Rivalry
The intense rivalry between Columbus and Cincinnati, known as the "Hell Is Real" derby, represents one of the most compelling matchups in Major League Soccer. This Ohio-based competition pits the Columbus Crew against FC Cincinnati in a battle for state supremacy that extends beyond the soccer pitch.
Historical Context
The rivalry takes its name from the iconic "HELL IS REAL" billboard located along Interstate 71 between the two cities, which has become a symbol of the intense competition between Ohio's two largest metropolitan areas. While the cities are separated by just over 100 miles, their distinct identities and cultures create a natural rivalry that translates powerfully to the soccer field.
Recent Matchups
2025 MLS Season Highlights
The 2025 season saw particularly intense encounters between the two clubs:
May 18, 2025: The teams played to a 1-1 draw at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati. FC Cincinnati's Kévin Denkey opened the scoring in the 6th minute, while Columbus Crew's Diego Rossi equalized with a penalty kick in the 54th minute.
Playoff Series (October-November 2025):
- October 27, 2025: FC Cincinnati secured a 1-0 victory in the first game of the best-of-three first-round series, with Kévin Denkey scoring the decisive goal in the 78th minute.
- November 2, 2025: Columbus Crew responded emphatically in Game 2, defeating FC Cincinnati 4-0. Goals were scored by Max Arfsten (33'), Dylan Chambost (41'), Andrés Herrera (65'), and Jacen Russell-Rowe (69').
Previous Season Highlights
September 14, 2024: The match ended in a 0-0 draw, with FC Cincinnati clinching a playoff spot as a result of the point earned.
Stadiums and Atmosphere
Columbus Crew: Play at Lower.com Field in downtown Columbus, known for its vibrant atmosphere and dedicated supporter sections.
FC Cincinnati: Call TQL Stadium home, a state-of-the-art soccer-specific stadium that has quickly become one of the most intimidating venues for visiting teams in MLS.
Cultural Significance
The rivalry extends beyond soccer, reflecting the broader cultural and economic competition between Ohio's two largest cities. Columbus, as the state capital and home to Ohio State University, represents the political and academic center of the state. Cincinnati, with its rich German heritage and riverfront location, offers a distinct cultural identity shaped by its history as a major port city.
Key Players
Columbus Crew: Diego Rossi, Cucho Hernández, and Darlington Nagbe have been instrumental in recent matchups.
FC Cincinnati: Luciano Acosta, Kévin Denkey, and Matt Miazga have provided leadership and crucial performances in derby matches.
Future Outlook
The rivalry continues to grow in intensity as both clubs establish themselves as consistent playoff contenders in the Eastern Conference. With both teams investing heavily in their academies and roster development, the "Hell Is Real" derby promises to remain one of MLS's most compelling rivalries for years to come.
The competition not only determines bragging rights within Ohio but often has significant implications for playoff positioning and championship aspirations, making each encounter between Columbus and Cincinnati a must-watch event for soccer fans across the country.
The prompt for this was: columbus vs cincinnati
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