Introduction to the derby
The Hell Is Real Derby is Ohio’s defining football rivalry, pitting Columbus Crew against FC Cincinnati along the I‑71 corridor. First contested in June 2017 in the U.S. Open Cup, the rivalry took on national prominence once Cincinnati joined MLS in 2019, quickly becoming one of the league’s most intense intra‑state clashes. With regular-season battles, tournament meetings and high‑stakes playoff ties, the fixture blends geographical proximity with contrasting club identities: Columbus’ established MLS pedigree against Cincinnati’s rapid rise and fervent supporter culture. The result is a derby defined by momentum swings, late drama and a consistently hostile atmosphere at Lower.com Field and TQL Stadium.
All-Time Head-to-Head Record
Across all competitive competitions, Columbus Crew and FC Cincinnati have met 21 times. The overall balance reflects Columbus’ historical edge, particularly in decisive matches, while Cincinnati have proven increasingly competitive as the rivalry has matured into the mid‑2020s.
| Matches | Columbus Crew Wins | Draws | FC Cincinnati Wins | Goals (CLB) | Goals (CIN) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21 | 9 | 6 | 6 | 41 | 25 |
The totals suggest a rivalry that began with Columbus dominance but gradually tightened. Early MLS meetings and tournament fixtures swung heavily toward the Crew, inflating their goal advantage, while Cincinnati’s improvement from 2021 onward has produced more draws and narrow wins, particularly at home. The goals gap underlines Columbus’ historical attacking efficiency, yet recent seasons show a more even competitive balance.
Recent Head-to-Head Matches (Last 10 Encounters)
The most recent ten competitive meetings capture the modern rhythm of the Hell Is Real Derby: alternating home advantages, playoff tension and high‑scoring swings. These matches span MLS regular season fixtures and MLS Cup Playoffs, highlighting how frequently the sides now meet in decisive moments.
| Date | Competition | Venue | Home | Score | Away |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26 July 2026 | MLS | ScottsMiracle-Gro Field | Columbus Crew | TBD | FC Cincinnati |
| 8 Nov 2025 | MLS | TQL Stadium | FC Cincinnati | 2–1 | Columbus Crew |
| 2 Nov 2025 | MLS Cup Playoffs | Lower.com Field | Columbus Crew | 4–0 | FC Cincinnati |
| 27 Oct 2025 | MLS Cup Playoffs | TQL Stadium | FC Cincinnati | 1–0 | Columbus Crew |
| 12 Jul 2025 | MLS | TQL Stadium | FC Cincinnati | 2–4 | Columbus Crew |
| 17 May 2025 | MLS | Lower.com Field | Columbus Crew | 1–1 | FC Cincinnati |
| 14 Sep 2024 | MLS | TQL Stadium | FC Cincinnati | 0–0 | Columbus Crew |
| 11 May 2024 | MLS | Lower.com Field | Columbus Crew | 1–2 | FC Cincinnati |
| 2 Dec 2023 | MLS Cup Playoffs | TQL Stadium | FC Cincinnati | 2–3 | Columbus Crew |
| 20 Aug 2023 | MLS | Lower.com Field | Columbus Crew | 3–0 | FC Cincinnati |
| 20 May 2023 | MLS | TQL Stadium | FC Cincinnati | 3–2 | Columbus Crew |
Patterns emerge clearly: Columbus have tended to strike decisively at home, while Cincinnati’s wins often come via tight margins at TQL Stadium. Playoff meetings have intensified physicality and discipline, with narrow scorelines and late momentum swings common. Set‑pieces and transition moments repeatedly decide
outcomes, underlining the tactical fine margins separating the sides.
Key Players & Rivalries by Era
Early Cup & Expansion Era (2017–2019)
The rivalry’s foundation featured contrasting contexts: Columbus as an established MLS side and Cincinnati as ambitious outsiders. Crew attackers like Federico Higuaín and Gyasi Zardes brought top‑flight experience, while Cincinnati leaned on
energy and organisation through figures such as Kendall Waston and Fanendo Adi. Midfield battles were often about tempo control versus disruption, setting the emotional tone for future derbies.
Consolidation Era (2020–2022)
As Cincinnati settled into MLS, individual match‑ups sharpened. Lucas Zelarayán’s creativity tested Cincinnati’s defensive structure marshalled by Waston and Nick
Hagglund, while Darlington Nagbe’s ball retention contrasted with Luciano Acosta’s direct running. These seasons produced several high‑scoring matches, reflecting tactical openness and evolving confidence on both sides.
Modern Playoff Era (2023–2025)
The modern era has been defined by silverware ambitions and postseason clashes. Diego Rossi and Cucho Hernández spearheaded Columbus’ attacking threat, frequently duelling with Matt Miazga and Roman Celentano. Cincinnati’s midfield leadership through Acosta met Columbus’ collective pressing under Wilfried Nancy, producing intense captain‑versus‑captain confrontations and winger‑full‑back battles that have come to define recent derbies.
| Era | Club | Player | Role in derby context | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017–2019 | Columbus Crew | Federico Higuaín | Creative leader | Set tempo and chance creation |
| 2017–2019 | FC Cincinnati | Kendall Waston | Defensive enforcer | Physical presence in early ties |
| 2020–2022 | Columbus Crew | Lucas Zelarayán | Attacking focal point | Long‑range threat and playmaking |
| 2020–2022 | FC Cincinnati | Luciano Acosta | Primary creator | Dribbling and counter‑attacks |
| 2023–2025 | Columbus Crew | Cucho Hernández | Lead striker | Movement between lines |
| 2023–2025 | FC Cincinnati | Matt Miazga | Defensive leader | Organisation in big matches |
The players listed illustrate how the rivalry evolved from personality‑driven contests to system‑versus‑system battles. Early physical duels gave way to technical midfield clashes, before the current era’s blend of pressing, pace and playoff intensity took hold.
H2H Detailed Analysis
Looking deeper into the head‑to‑head, Columbus’ advantage is rooted in consistency across venues and competitions. Their superior goal difference reflects sustained attacking output rather than sporadic blowouts, while Cincinnati’s results show a pattern of incremental gains through tactical discipline and home‑field leverage. Playoff meetings have magnified these traits: Columbus often imposing rhythm after absorbing early pressure, Cincinnati seeking to disrupt and strike in moments.
Key Stats & Performance Insights
Statistically, the Hell Is Real Derby blends entertainment with edge. Goals are common, yet margins remain tight, underscoring why the fixture regularly swings on individual moments rather than prolonged dominance.
- Columbus average close to two goals per derby match, highlighting attacking efficiency.
- Over 70% of meetings have produced more than 2.5 goals, reflecting open play.
- Draws account for over a quarter of fixtures, signalling competitive balance.
- Home sides have a slight edge, but away wins are frequent enough to sustain tension.
Memorable Matches & Iconic Moments
Several fixtures have shaped the derby’s narrative, embedding it firmly in MLS folklore through comebacks, shutouts and postseason drama.
- 14 June 2017 – Cincinnati’s Open Cup victory that ignited the rivalry.
- 11 July 2020 – A one‑sided tournament win that set a benchmark margin.
- 27 August 2021 – A late‑goal swing showcasing derby volatility.
- 2 December 2023 – Eastern Conference Final drama elevating the rivalry nationally.
- 20 August 2023 – A commanding home performance underlining venue impact.
- 2 November 2025 – A decisive playoff result shifting momentum.
Evolution of the Rivalry
The Hell Is Real Derby has evolved from novelty to cornerstone. What began as a cup upset grew into a regular‑season grudge and now stands as a playoff‑defining rivalry. Tactical sophistication has increased alongside stakes, with both clubs shaping squad builds around these encounters. As MLS continues to expand, the Ohio derby remains a reference point for regional intensity, competitive balance and sustained narrative growth.
FAQ
When was the first Hell Is Real Derby played?
The first competitive meeting took place on 14 June 2017 in the U.S. Open Cup.
Who leads the all‑time head‑to‑head record?
Columbus Crew lead overall with more wins and goals scored.
Which competition features the most derby meetings?
The MLS regular season accounts for the majority of encounters.
Has the derby been played in the MLS Cup Playoffs?
Yes, including high‑profile postseason meetings that intensified the rivalry.
Are goals common in this derby?
Yes, most matches feature multiple goals, often exceeding 2.5 per game.
Why is it called the Hell Is Real Derby?
The name comes from a well‑known roadside sign between Columbus and Cincinnati.
