CINCINNATI (WXIX) - FC Cincinnati will go head-to-head with its biggest rival, the Columbus Crew, Monday night for the first round of the Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs.

“Hell is Real,” a nearly decade-old rivalry match, returns to TQL Stadium as both Ohio teams compete to win the first game of a best-of-three series.

The environment inside the stadium is expected to be more intense than the normal “Hell is Real” derby.

FC Cincinnati currently stands at No. 2 under Philadelphia Union in the MLS rankings, whereas the Crew is ranked at No. 7.

However, Columbus has proven its competitiveness and has won several more games against Cincinnati.

For tonight’s game, FCC fans are asked to go all out in orange.

Gates open at 5:15 p.m. with rally towels being hand out at the entrance. Pre-game ritu

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