Overview
- Columbus overcame an early goal from Kévin Denkey to win 2-1 on July 25, with Jamal Thiaré equalizing from a Dylan Chambost corner and Dániel Gazdag converting a first-half stoppage‑time penalty, while goalkeeper Patrick Schulte made four key saves.
- The penalty was awarded after Max Arfsten was fouled by Cincinnati defender Matt Miazga and Gazdag, who has a strong spot‑kick record, calmly converted from the spot.
- Cincinnati midfielder Gerardo Valenzuela was shown a straight red card for a dangerous challenge on Taha Habroune in stoppage time, which sparked an on‑field scuffle that later spilled into a heated postgame tunnel confrontation captured on video.
- Local reports say Valenzuela is expected to miss FC Cincinnati's next match against the San Jose Earthquakes, a development that could weaken Cincinnati's lineup as its three‑match point streak ended and Columbus gained momentum under interim coach Laurent Courtois.
- The match was the first regular‑season Hell Is Real meeting since Cincinnati eliminated Columbus in the 2025 playoffs and was available to most viewers via Apple TV+ with a simulcast on FS1, highlighting both the rivalry's history and broad fan interest.