When it comes to Major League Soccer rivalries, few matchups generate as much passion and intensity as Football Club Cincinnati vs Columbus Crew. Known as the “Hell Is Real” derby, this fixture captures the heart of Ohio’s football culture. Every encounter between these two teams is fierce, emotional, and tactically intriguing.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into the alineaciones (lineups) of both teams, their tactical setups, key players, and what makes this rivalry so special in American soccer. Whether you’re a Cincinnati fan or a loyal Crew supporter, this comprehensive breakdown will help you understand how both teams prepare for this fiery MLS clash.
The Rivalry: Hell Is Real
The term “Hell Is Real” comes from a famous roadside sign on Interstate 71 between Cincinnati and Columbus — a perfect symbol for a rivalry that burns with intensity. Since FC Cincinnati joined MLS in 2019, their matches against Columbus Crew have become a highlight of the season.
Both teams represent different identities within Ohio:
Columbus Crew, founded in 1996, is one of MLS’s original clubs with a history of championships and strong tradition.
FC Cincinnati, a newer franchise, symbolizes ambition, energy, and the rise of modern soccer culture in the Midwest.
Every “Hell Is Real” match carries emotional weight, as fans fill stadiums to witness two cities fighting for pride and supremacy.
Recent Lineups (Alineaciones) and Tactical Systems
Match 1: FC Cincinnati vs Columbus Crew – August 24, 2025
FC Cincinnati Lineup:
Goalkeeper: Roman Celentano
Defenders: Santiago Arias, Miles Robinson, Matt Miazga, Ian Murphy
Midfielders: Obinna Nwobodo, Pavel Bucha, Luciano Acosta (captain)
Forwards: Alvas Powell, Kevin Kelsy, Aaron Boupendza
Columbus Crew Lineup:
Goalkeeper: Patrick Schulte
Defenders: Steven Moreira, Rudy Camacho, Malte Amundsen
Midfielders: Darlington Nagbe, Sean Zawadzki, Diego Rossi, Yaw Yeboah
Forwards: Cucho Hernández, Christian Ramírez, Alexandru Matan
Tactical Breakdown:
Cincinnati’s 3-4-1-2 formation emphasizes compact defending and fast vertical transitions led by Acosta. Columbus Crew, under Wilfried Nancy, played with a flexible 3-4-2-1, focusing on wide attacks and fluid possession. Rossi and Hernández constantly switched roles to destabilize the defense.
Despite Crew’s ball dominance, Cincinnati’s counter-attacks were lethal — especially when Acosta and Boupendza combined in transition.
Match 2: Columbus Crew vs FC Cincinnati – May 11, 2025
Columbus Crew Lineup:
Goalkeeper: Patrick Schulte
Defenders: Steven Moreira, Sean Zawadzki, Malte Amundsen
Midfielders: Mo Farsi, Darlington Nagbe (captain), Aidan Morris, Yaw Yeboah
Forwards: Diego Rossi, Cucho Hernández, Christian Ramírez
FC Cincinnati Lineup:
Goalkeeper: Roman Celentano
Defenders: Nick Hagglund, Matt Miazga, Miles Robinson
Midfielders: Obinna Nwobodo, Pavel Bucha, Luciano Acosta, Álvaro Barreal
Forwards: Kevin Kelsy, Sergio Santos
Tactical Breakdown:
Columbus maintained their typical attacking identity — using wingbacks Farsi and Yeboah to stretch Cincinnati’s backline. The Crew dominated possession but faced challenges breaking down Cincinnati’s organized defense.
Acosta acted as Cincinnati’s creative outlet, orchestrating play through diagonal passes and dribbles. Nagbe’s composure and Rossi’s movement helped Columbus maintain rhythm and patience throughout.
Match 3: FC Cincinnati vs Columbus Crew – September 2024
FC Cincinnati Lineup:
Goalkeeper: Roman Celentano
Defenders: Ian Murphy, Matt Miazga, Nick Hagglund
Midfielders: Álvaro Barreal, Obinna Nwobodo, Junior Moreno, Santiago Arias
Attacking Midfield: Luciano Acosta (captain)
Forwards: Brandon Vazquez, Aaron Boupendza
Columbus Crew Lineup:
Goalkeeper: Patrick Schulte
Defenders: Steven Moreira, Rudy Camacho, Malte Amundsen
Midfielders: Mohamed Farsi, Darlington Nagbe, Aidan Morris, Yaw Yeboah
Attacking Midfield: Diego Rossi, Christian Ramírez
Forward: Cucho Hernández
Tactical Breakdown:
This matchup was one of the most thrilling derbies in recent MLS history. Cincinnati focused on direct play through Vazquez and Boupendza, while Columbus relied on high pressing and fluid buildup.
The key duel was between Acosta and Nagbe — two playmakers dictating tempo and rhythm. Despite the tactical contrast, both teams produced attacking football that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
Tactical Comparison: Cincinnati vs Columbus
FC Cincinnati’s Approach
Cincinnati’s identity under coach Pat Noonan is built on discipline and counter-attacking power. Their tactics include:
Three-man defensive setup for stability
Quick transitions led by Acosta and Barreal
Wingbacks pushing forward for width
Strikers who press aggressively and exploit space
This makes Cincinnati one of the most efficient teams in MLS when playing on the break.
Columbus Crew’s Approach
Columbus Crew, under Wilfried Nancy, emphasize possession-based football and tactical versatility. Their approach focuses on:
Building from the back through short passes
Overlapping wingbacks for attacking width
Intelligent movement from forwards like Rossi and Hernández
High pressing to recover the ball quickly
This system allows them to dominate possession and control the game’s rhythm.
Key Players to Watch
FC Cincinnati
Luciano Acosta: The Argentine magician and 2023 MLS MVP. He creates chances, scores goals, and defines Cincinnati’s attacking identity.
Roman Celentano: A reliable goalkeeper known for sharp reflexes and confident shot-stopping.
Miles Robinson: Provides defensive solidity and leadership at the back.
Columbus Crew
Cucho Hernández: A prolific forward with excellent movement and finishing.
Darlington Nagbe: The team’s brain in midfield, controlling tempo and linking defense to attack.
Diego Rossi: The creative winger who brings flair, pace, and precision in the final third.
The Atmosphere and Fan Passion
The energy around the Hell Is Real derby is unmatched in MLS. Both sets of supporters bring passion, chants, and color to the stadiums.
At TQL Stadium in Cincinnati, the “Orange and Blue” create a sea of energy, while Lower.com Field in Columbus transforms into a fortress of yellow and black. Every cheer, every tackle, and every goal adds fuel to this Ohio fire.
Statistical Insights
Average Possession: Columbus Crew – 59%, Cincinnati – 45%
Shots per Match: Crew – 13.2, Cincinnati – 10.4
Goals per Match: Both teams average over 1.6 goals per game
Expected Goals (xG): Columbus 1.9, Cincinnati 1.7 — a very close contest statistically
These numbers show just how evenly matched both clubs are despite their different tactical identities.
Prediction and Future Outlook
Both teams are contenders in the Eastern Conference and could meet again in the MLS playoffs. FC Cincinnati’s compact defensive approach and Columbus Crew’s tactical possession make for the perfect contrast.
In upcoming meetings, expect:
High-intensity pressing from both sides
Tactical battles between Acosta and Nagbe
Set-piece strategies playing a decisive role
This rivalry is not just about local pride — it’s about two of MLS’s best sides pushing each other to their limits.
Final Thoughts
The alineaciones de Football Club Cincinnati contra Columbus Crew reveal more than just the names on a team sheet — they showcase two football philosophies colliding head-on.
Cincinnati thrives on pace, precision, and passion, while Columbus dominates with control, creativity, and composure. Each “Hell Is Real” matchup tells a new story, filled with drama and unforgettable moments that define Ohio soccer.
As MLS continues to grow, this rivalry stands out as one of its crown jewels — a perfect blend of history, emotion, and tactical brilliance.