Hell is the real face-to-face derby | Columbus Crew vs FC Cincinnati History and Stats

The totals suggest a rivalry that began with Columbus’ rule
but it narrowed little by little. Early MLS meetings and tournament games varied
strongly towards the crew, inflating their goal lead, while from Cincinnati
the improvement from 2021 has produced more draws and reduced wins,
especially at home. The goal difference underlines Columbus’ historic attack
efficiency, but recent seasons show a more even competitive balance.
((ca.wikipedia.org)(

Recent head-to-head matches (last 10 meetings)

The ten most recent competitive meetings capture the modern pace
of the Hell Is Real Derby: alternating home advantage, playoff tension and
high score swings. These matches cover MLS and MLS regular season matches
Cup Playoffs, highlighting how often teams now find themselves in deciders
moments ((tips.gg)(

The patterns emerge clearly: Columbus has tended to strike decisively
at home, while from Cincinnati
Wins usually come by tight margins at TQL Stadium. Playoff meetings have
physical intensification and discipline, with narrow and late markers
usual impulse swings. Game plays and transition moments decide repeatedly
results, stressing the tactical margins until they separate the sides.
((tips.gg)(

Key players and rivalries by era

First stage of the Cup and Expansion (2017-2019)

The basis of the rivalry presented contrasting contexts: Columbus
as an established MLS team and Cincinnati
as ambitious outsiders. The attackers of the crew com Federico
Higuain i Gyasi
Zardes brought top-level experience, while Cincinnati leaned back
energy and organization through figures like Kendall
Watson and Fanendo Adi. Midfield battles were often about pace
control versus disruption, setting the emotional tone for the future
derbies

Consolidation Era (2020-2022)

How Cincinnati
installed in the MLS, individual confrontations intensified. Lucas
Zelarayán’s creativity tested Cincinnati’s defensive structure
organized by Waston and Nick
Hagglundwhile Darlington
Nagbe’s ball retention contrasted with Luciano
of Acosta direct operation. These seasons produced several
high-scoring matches, reflecting tactical openness and evolving confidence
both sides

Modern Playoff Era (2023-2025)

The modern era has been defined by silverware ambitions and
postseason matchups. Diego
Rossi i cook
Hernandez spearheaded Columbus’ attacking threat, frequently
duel with Matt
pulp and Roman Celentano. from Cincinnati
Midfield leadership through Acosta was met with collective pressure from Columbus
Wilfried Nancy, producing intense confrontations between captain and captain
left-wing battles that have come to define recently
derbies

The players listed illustrate how the rivalry evolved
personality-driven contests in system-versus-system battles. early physics
duels gave way to technical confrontations in the middle of the field, before the mix of the current era
of pressure, the pace and intensity of the playoffs took over.
((ca.wikipedia.org)(

Detailed H2H analysis

Looking deeper into the head-to-head, Columbus’ advantage is
rooted in consistency between sites and competitions. Your highest goal
The difference reflects a sustained offensive output rather than sporadic exploits,
while from Cincinnati
the results show a pattern of incremental gains through tactical discipline and
local field leverage. Playoff meetings have magnified these traits: Columbus
often dictating the pace after absorbing early pressure, Cincinnati looking
interrupt and strike at times. ((ca.wikipedia.org)(

Key statistics and performance data

Statistically, the Hell Is Real Derby combines entertainment with
border The goals are common, but the margins remain tight, underscoring why
The apparatus oscillates regularly in individual moments rather than prolonged
domain ((fctables.com)(

• Columbus averages close to two goals per derby game, outstanding
  attacking efficiency.
• More than 70% of meetings have produced more than 2.5 goals,
  reflecting open play.
• Raffles account for more than a quarter of devices, signaling
  competitive balance.
• Home teams have a slight advantage, but away wins are frequent enough
  to maintain tension.

Memorable matches and iconic moments

Several events have shaped the narrative of the derby, incorporating it
firmly in MLS folklore through comebacks, shutouts and postseason drama.
((ca.wikipedia.org)(

• June 14, 2017: The Cincinnati Open Cup win that ignited the
  rivalry
• July 11, 2020: A one-sided victory in a benchmark-setting tournament
  margin
• August 27, 2021: A late goal swing showing a derby
  volatility
• December 2, 2023 – Eastern Conference final drama that elevates the
  national rivalry
• August 20, 2023: A featured venue for a home performance
  impact
• November 2, 2025: Playoff tiebreaker change
  impulse

Evolution of the rivalry

The Hell Is Real Derby has evolved from novelty to cornerstone.
What started as cup upset turned into a regular-season grudge and is now ongoing
a rivalry that defines the playoffs. Tactical sophistication has increased alongside
bets, with both clubs shaping the squad around these matches. As in MLS
continues to expand, the Ohio Derby remains a benchmark for regionals
intensity, competitive balance and sustained narrative growth. ((ca.wikipedia.org)(

Frequently asked questions

When was the first Hell Is Real Derby played?

The first competitive meeting took place on June 14, 2017 at the
US Open Cup

Who leads the head to head of all time
registration?

Columbus
crew leads the general with more victories and goals scored.

Which competition has the most derby meetings?

The MLS regular season accounts for the majority
encounters

The derby has been played in the MLS Cup
Playoffs?

Yes, including the high-profile postseason meetings that escalated
the rivalry

They are common goals in this
derby?

Yes, most matches feature multiple goals, often over 2.5 per
game

Why is it called hell is real
Derby?

The name comes from a well-known road sign between Columbus
i Cincinnati.