“Hell is Real”: The Ohio Derby That Became One of the Biggest Rivalries in Major League Soccer

Columbus Crew and FC Cincinnati faced each other for the 20th time in history. What was once a regional clash has become one of Major League Soccer's greatest rivalries.

Columbus vs. Cincinnati: A Rivalry That Grows Every Year

The origin of the name is one of the elements that makes this rivalry so special. "Hell is Real" comes from a large religious sign along Interstate 71, the highway connecting the cities of Columbus and Cincinnati. The bold, striking message became a reference point for fans traveling between the two stadiums. The nickname began as an ironic joke among supporters, but it quickly caught on and is now officially used by the league and the media.

The first club meeting happened on June 14, 2017, in the U.S. Open Cup. At the time, Columbus Crew was already an MLS team, while FC Cincinnati was still competing in the USL. Against all odds, Cincinnati pulled off a 1–0 win. The rivalry was born there. After FC Cincinnati officially joined Major League Soccer in 2019, the clashes became more frequent, with several memorable encounters:

• August 10, 2019 – MLS Regular Season: Columbus Crew 2–2 FC Cincinnati

• December 2, 2023 – MLS Cup Playoffs: FC Cincinnati 2–3 Columbus Crew (after extra time)

• May 11, 2024 – MLS Regular Season: Columbus Crew 1–2 FC Cincinnati

These matches have contributed to the growing weight of the "Hell is Real" derby. The classic has become crucial in the race for top spots in the Eastern Conference and often serves as a thermometer for each club's form. The games have grown in emotional stakes and now attract national attention — not only for what happens on the field but also for the electric atmosphere off it, especially after Columbus Crew's MLS Cup win on Cincinnati's home turf.

The Origin and Meaning Behind "Hell is Real"

A now-famous "Hell is Real" sign—placed along the interstate that connects both towns —became an iconic landmark for fans. Those driving bewteen two cities know there isn' much but rural roads between the two cities so it marks the changes that are so predominant between the two Ohio cities. What started as a tongue-in-cheek reference has become a proud identity marker for both sets of supporters.

Crew's Success and FC Cincinnati's Stability

The Crew is going through a spectacular phase, having won the MLS Cup in 2023 and the League Cup in 2024. Wilfried Nancy, the French coach who arrived from Montreal (and left them in shambles), the team plays a fluid, possession-based game, building from the back with intelligence and using player mobility as a key feature. Beyond the results, the football has been highly entertaining, helping draw more fans and raising the club's profile within the league.

Several top players have performed at a high level in recent seasons for Columbus. Cucho Hernández was pivotal in their recent titles, playing 94 matches, scoring 56 goals, and delivering 26 assists. He was transferred to Real Betis at the start of this season but left a lasting legacy. The Uruguayan Diego Rossi is yet another stand out. Once an LAFC star, 'Diegol' has emerged as a leading figure in 2025 and is a strong contender for the coveted MVP award, probably against Evander, from FC Cincinnati. Even then, the rivalry shows signs of dominating the league's dynamics and chatter.

On the other hand, FC Cincinnati has been steadily consolidating its strength in the league. The team has maintained a solid core after finishing first in the 2023 regular season and becoming Eastern Conference runners-up. It continues to be among the top contenders, chasing its first MLS Cup year after year.

For several years, the team's face was Lucho Acosta, who won the 2023 MLS regular-season MVP. Kevin Denkey and Evander have been excellent for the Orange and Blue, combining for 16 goal contributions betweem the two of them in 2025, not to mention Noonan has been consistently one of the best coaches in MLS since arriving in Southern Ohio.

Hell is Real - The Rivalry

Beyond the high technical level, "Hell is Real" has also gained fame for its off-field spectacle. Fans live every chapter of this rivalry with intensity. The stands of Lower.com Field in Columbus and TQL Stadium in Cincinnati are filled with banners, chants, tifo displays, and a fierce atmosphere that rivals classic derbies in more established leagues.

Today, "Hell is Real" is more than a match between neighbors. It symbolizes MLS's growth — a rivalry built on local identity, quality football, and unforgettable moments. With each new edition, the derby strengthens its place on the league calendar — and hell remains very real, at least for the side that loses.