Brenner Brace Propels Cincinnati Past Columbus and Into Conference Semifinals
Cincinnati, OH — FC Cincinnati eliminated Columbus Crew 2-1 on Saturday night at TQL Stadium, completing a 2-1 series victory in their best-of-three Round One playoff clash. Brenner's decisive brace, including an 86th-minute winner, sent the "Hell is Real" derby to Cincinnati and secured their advancement to the Eastern Conference Semifinals before 25,513 roaring fans.
For Brenner, the moment carried profound redemption. The Brazilian striker first arrived at Cincinnati in February 2021 as a 21-year-old Young Designated Player from São Paulo FC for a club-record $13 million fee—then the fourth-highest transfer fee in MLS history. After a disappointing debut season, Brenner exploded in 2022 with 18 goals, earning the Golden Boot alongside teammate Brandon Vazquez. But he left for Udinese in July 2023 before achieving playoff success.
Now, on loan back from the Italian club, Brenner returned in August with unfinished business: help FC Cincinnati finally exorcise their Columbus demons. Wilfried Nancy's Crew had eliminated Cincinnati twice in recent playoff history, most painfully in the 2023 Eastern Conference Final when Columbus came back to win in extra time en route to the MLS Cup title.
With attacking reinforcements Kévin Denkey and Evander joining the revamped roster, Saturday's victory represented more than series advancement—it marked Cincinnati's first playoff triumph over their bitter rivals.
The opening hour proved tense and tactical. Columbus dominated possession with 83.5% passing accuracy compared to Cincinnati's 76.3%, controlling the tempo while Cincinnati remained compact and dangerous on the counter. Neither side could break through until Columbus struck first in the 63rd minute.
Andrés Herrera threaded a precise pass between Cincinnati's center-backs, finding Jacen Russell-Rowe's diagonal run. The forward composed himself before slotting past Roman Celentano to give the visitors the lead.
Cincinnati's response proved swift. Just four minutes later, Teenage Hadebe found Brenner with a well-weighted pass. The Brazilian cut inside his marker before curling a right-footed shot into the far corner to level at 1-1 in the 67th minute.
The match opened up as both teams pushed for the decisive goal. Cincinnati gradually seized control, applying sustained pressure on Columbus's defense while the Crew desperately sought to extend their playoff run and avoid consecutive first-round eliminations.
The breakthrough arrived in the 86th minute. Samuel Gidi received possession on the right flank and delivered a pinpoint cross into the penalty area. Brenner timed his run perfectly, meeting the ball with a powerful header that left Patrick Schulte helpless. TQL Stadium erupted as Cincinnati took the lead and Brenner was booked for excessive celebration.
Columbus mounted a frantic push in nine minutes of added time, but Cincinnati's defense held firm. Diego Rossi and Lassi Lappalainen both had late chances, but Celentano and his backline preserved the victory.
Statistically, Columbus controlled much of the match with superior passing metrics and five shots on target to Cincinnati's four. However, Cincinnati proved ruthlessly efficient, converting 50% of their shots on target compared to Columbus's 20%.
Cincinnati now awaits the winner of Sunday's Inter Miami-Nashville SC series finale to determine their Eastern Conference Semifinal opponent. Pat Noonan's side has proven their mettle in knockout soccer and finally conquered their Ohio rivals when it mattered most.
