As sure as the sun rises and sets, one thing remains constant in this state: The Originals own Ohio.
Hell is Real is always a fiery occasion, but Saturday night offered a particular midsummer sizzle, as the Black & Gold pummeled FC Cincinnati, 2-1, at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field.
With the win, the Crew are unbeaten in eight-of-the-last-night meetings between the two clubs in the state capital. In 22 matches across all competitions, Columbus has 10 wins and six draws over the Orange & Blue.
“It's amazing to play on these derbies,” Dániel Gazdag said. “Today before the game, I even told Taha (Habroune) that when I got here, I was actually surprised how good the atmosphere on these games, and it was amazing today again. The fans showed up, and we just wanted to give it back on the field, and we fought till the end.”
The win was deserved for the home side, but it found itself trailing early. FCC led after nine minutes when Kevin Denkey pounced on a Crew defensive mishap.
But rather than playing rattled, Columbus regrouped and pressed for an equalizer. Eventually, it arrived in the 42nd minute via Jamal Thiaré in his first MLS goal this season, via a thumping header from a Dylan Chambost corner.
The Crew claimed the lead six minutes into first-half stoppage time when Gazdag converted his second penalty in as many matches. The Hungarian has four goals across all competitions in 2026.
In the second half, the Black & Gold kept a firm grip on the match. With interim head coach Laurent Courtois’ deployment of André Gomes, stability was added into the Columbus midfielder as FCC’s desperation grew.
Time and time again, Columbus would calmly defend within its own box before springing a counter attack forward with Habroune or Gazdag.
“I didn't feel that they were going to break us down,” Courtois said. “We knew it was going to either be one transition, set piece or a ball in the box with the tall guys. We felt solid. What I like with this group is that we have a lot of reserves that also are close to the starting lineup. Right away when they came in, they maintained or raised the level so that was positive.”
The performance and result were impressive, especially following Wednesday night’s loss. Add that Columbus could frustrate its biggest rival, and Saturday night became a memorable Hell is Real – in a good way.
“I grew up here in Columbus, and I know what it's like to watch these games and the emotion just from watching these games, and to actually play in one and to beat them at home in front of our fans is an unbelievable feeling,” Habroune said.