FC Cincinnati, Columbus Crew meet for critical Hell is Real battle

One of MLS's fiercest rivalries gets the Sunday Night Soccer presented by Continental Tire spotlight during Matchday 31, with FC Cincinnati hosting Columbus Crew for a key late-season Hell is Real clash.

FC Cincinnati suffered a 3-2 home defeat to the New England Revolution on Wednesday, squandering an early lead despite goals from Tom Barlow and Kévin Denkey .

Evander: The Brazilian maestro, known for delivering stunning golazos, has 13g/13a this season.

Kévin Denkey: The club-record signing has scored 15+ goals in consecutive seasons with Cincy.

Pavel Bucha: The Czech international has a career-high 14 goal contributions (6g/8a) during his third season with the club.

Ender Echenique: The rising Venezuelan international has eight assists this year, tied for the second-most on Cincy.

Cincinnati's season has been a roller coaster, but they're holding onto the final Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference.

They enter the stretch run looking to solidify their place above the Audi 2026 MLS Cup Playoffs line while spelling doom for their bitter rivals.

Columbus are coming off a 3-1 win over Charlotte FC on Wednesday, rallying from an early deficit behind goals from Brais Méndez , Anass Zaroury and Taha Habroune .

The Crew took a club-record 33 shots, including 14 on target, to secure their third victory in four matches.

Brais Méndez: The Crew's marquee summer signing from LaLiga side Real Sociedad has lived up to the billing, producing 5g/3a in his first 12 MLS games.

Santiago Rodríguez: Another recently arrived Designated Player, Rodríguez has 2g/3a in seven games after starring for New York City FC from 2021-24.

Steven Moreira: This summer, Moreira was a key player for Cape Verde's inspiring run to the 2026 FIFA World Cup knockout rounds.

Taha Habroune: The homegrown midfielder and US youth international has 4g/4a during his breakout season with the Crew.

A Hell is Real showdown might be just what Columbus need to make a late-season playoff push, sitting four points back of Cincinnati and the East's final Wild Card spot.

The Crew can complete the rivalry's season sweep, following a 2-1 home win in July that included post-match fireworks after Gerardo Valenzuela 's late sending-off.

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Does Hell is Real favor the hosts? Cincinnati are given a 44% edge over visiting Columbus (35%).

Market insights shared are current as of Friday, Oct. 16 at 9 am ET.