A match history of one of the MLS’ most heated rivalries

Hell is Real returns: A match history of one of the MLS’ most heated rivalries

The annual Hell is Real derby is back.The rivalry between FC Cincinnati and Columbus Crew, while relatively new, has quickly become one of the MLS’ most heated. It dates back to 2019, when FC Cincinnati played its first season as a major league team, challenging Columbus Crew’s longtime status as Ohio’s lone MLS team.The name of the “Hell is Real” game originates from what is arguably the state of Ohio’s most famous billboard, which is located along Interstate 71 in-between the two cities.The billboard, which was put up in 2004 in Madison County, features the cryptic language in all-caps white letters against a black background. However, unlike the rest of the lettering, the “H” in the word “Hell” is red. An unknown graffiti artist also later added a red devilish face to the bottom right of the billboard.Now, the game is being played for the 16th time, and this year’s rivalry game is likely to be no less fiery, since FC Cincinnati and Columbus Crew both sit atop the MLS’ Eastern Conference.FC Cincinnati leads the conference (and league as a whole) with 28 points. Meanwhile, Columbus Crew follows closely behind with 26 points.However, this position is nothing new for either team: Both teams have regularly been among the best in the league throughout the past few years, providing viewers not just a taste of some of the best soccer in Ohio with the Hell is Real derby, but also in the United States as a whole.The teams have faced off 15 times in history since FC Cincinnati became an MLS club, with Columbus leading overall with seven total wins. Meanwhile, Cincinnati has won three different times. The remaining five games ended in draws.The game kicks off at 7:15 p.m. in Columbus. It can be watched on Fox Sports 1 or on Apple TV.A full match history of the rivalry can be found below.August 10, 2019: Draw, 2-2August 25, 2019: Columbus Crew wins, 3-1July 11, 2020 (MLS is Back special tournament): Columbus Crew wins, 4-0August 29, 2020: Draw, 0-0September 6, 2020: Columbus Crew wins, 3-0October 14, 2020: FC Cincinnati wins, 2-1July 9, 2021: Draw, 2-2August 27, 2021: Columbus Crew wins, 3-2July 17, 2022: Columbus Crew wins, 2-0August 27, 2022: Draw, 2-2May 20, 2023: FC Cincinnati wins, 3-2August 20, 2023: Columbus Crew wins, 3-0December 2, 2023 (MLS Cup playoffs): Columbus Crew wins, 3-2May 11, 2024: FC Cincinnati wins, 2-1September 14, 2024: Draw, 0-0

COLUMBUS, Ohio —

The annual Hell is Real derby is back.

The rivalry between FC Cincinnati and Columbus Crew, while relatively new, has quickly become one of the MLS’ most heated. It dates back to 2019, when FC Cincinnati played its first season as a major league team, challenging Columbus Crew’s longtime status as Ohio’s lone MLS team.

The name of the “Hell is Real” game originates from what is arguably the state of Ohio’s most famous billboard, which is located along Interstate 71 in-between the two cities.

The billboard, which was put up in 2004 in Madison County, features the cryptic language in all-caps white letters against a black background. However, unlike the rest of the lettering, the “H” in the word “Hell” is red. An unknown graffiti artist also later added a red devilish face to the bottom right of the billboard.

Now, the game is being played for the 16th time, and this year’s rivalry game is likely to be no less fiery, since FC Cincinnati and Columbus Crew both sit atop the MLS’ Eastern Conference.

FC Cincinnati leads the conference (and league as a whole) with 28 points. Meanwhile, Columbus Crew follows closely behind with 26 points.

However, this position is nothing new for either team: Both teams have regularly been among the best in the league throughout the past few years, providing viewers not just a taste of some of the best soccer in Ohio with the Hell is Real derby, but also in the United States as a whole.

The teams have faced off 15 times in history since FC Cincinnati became an MLS club, with Columbus leading overall with seven total wins. Meanwhile, Cincinnati has won three different times. The remaining five games ended in draws.

The game kicks off at 7:15 p.m. in Columbus. It can be watched on Fox Sports 1 or on Apple TV.

A full match history of the rivalry can be found below.