Columbus Crew Overcome 2-Goal Deficit, Defeat FC Cincinnati 4-2 in Hell Is Real Derby

In a dramatic 18th 'Hell is Real' derby, Columbus Crew staged a remarkable comeback to defeat FC Cincinnati 4-2 after falling behind 2-0 within the first five minutes at TQL Stadium. FC Cincinnati's early goals by Pavel Bucha and Evander Da Silva Ferreira set a club record for fastest back-to-back goals, but Columbus rallied with four unanswered goals, including a critical own goal by Cincinnati's Miles Robinson and a stoppage-time winner by Columbus native Taha Habroune. Columbus head coach Wilfried Nancy praised his team's resilience and mental strength, highlighting their ability to overturn deficits and maintain composure under pressure. The win marked Columbus Crew's first victory over Cincinnati since 2023 and extended their unbeaten streak to five matches, narrowing the standings gap to just one point behind Cincinnati in the Eastern Conference. The loss ended FC Cincinnati's four-match winning streak and saw them drop from first place as Philadelphia overtook them following a separate win. This intense rivalry, named after the iconic Interstate 71 sign, continues to be a pivotal fixture in the MLS season, showcasing fierce competition and significant implications for the Supporters' Shield race.