The knockout stage has arrived. FC Cincinnati and Inter Miami CF will meet in the Eastern Conference semi-final on Sunday in a winner-takes-all showdown. One of these clubs will reach the Conference Final and take a step closer to the MLS Cup.
Cincinnati secured their spot after edging out their rivals in the “Hell is Real” derby. Whereas, Miami are arriving with star power and a strong attacking record. Home advantage looms large for the hosts, but the visitors have the firepower to upset.
See you soon, Cincy ✈️ pic.twitter.com/zNsBLODbBN
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) November 22, 2025
| Bets | Status | Moneyline |
| Total Goals | Over 3.5 | +110 |
| Total Shots on Target | Over 9.5 | -150 |
| Total Corners | Under 8.5 | +120 |
| FC Cincinnati Goalkeeper Saves | Over 4.5 | +220 |
| Inter Miami Goalkeeper Saves | Over 3.5 | +135 |
Cincinnati finished second in the Eastern Conference, logging 20 wins in the regular season. And they’re relying heavily on narrow-margin victories. They won 16 of those 20 by a single goal. Their home ground has been a fortress. They are also unbeaten this season in the league against Miami.
They have delivered a 3-0 win in their earlier meeting. However, their approach has leaned on defensive solidity and individual flashes of brilliance from their attacking trio of Brenner, Kevin Denkey and Evander. The latter posted 18 goals and 15 assists during the campaign.
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Miami are arriving having cleared their first-round hurdle decisively. They’ve scored freely and pressed for their first away success against Cincinnati since 2021. Their attack ranks among the league’s best in expected goals per game, underpinned by the genius of Lionel Messi.
He posted five goals and three assists in their last knockout series. The visitors will nonetheless be mindful of defensive lapses that have plagued them at times this season. They will aim to marshal their experience and class to overcome the home side’s momentum.
Given both teams’ high-scoring credentials, this fixture has all the makings of an open battle. Miami tallied 81 goals in the regular season. It is significantly more than Cincinnati and they’ve produced multiple games with four or more goals this year. Meanwhile, Cincinnati excelled in tight matches.
However, they have shown they can participate in more expansive contests when required. With the stakes so high and each side capable of breaking through, the over 3.5 goals line offers value. Moreover, Miami’s pattern of scoring three or more goals in nine of their last 11 outings supports this projection.
Messi remains the overwhelmingly dominant attacking force for Miami. He is coming off a sensational series where he scored twice and provided two assists in their deciding win. His gaze is now fixed on lifting the club’s first MLS Cup and facing a side he has yet to score against. Hence, backing him to find the net seems a sound proposition. Betting at -140 reflects his impact and Miami’s reliance on his individual brilliance.
Although Suarez missed the early part of the playoffs due to suspension, his return adds another dimension to Miami’s front line. Having featured alongside Messi and boasting the know-how and experience to influence key moments, Suarez’s presence lifts Miami’s attacking options. The hosts will likely focus on Messi. Hence, Suarez might exploit spaces or create opportunities for others. It makes the ‘score or assist’ market at -110 a compelling choice.
| Picks | Moneyline |
| Brian White to score first | +460 |
| Heung-Min Son to score anytime | +160 |
| Ryan Gauld to assist anytime | +165 |
| Thomas Muller to either score or assist | Evens |
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Cincinnati is arriving buoyed by home form and a flawless record against Miami this season. But the visitors’ depth, attacking firepower, and momentum suggest they will edge the tie. Miami’s recent 4-0 win in the first-round decider shows their capacity for dominance. And with Messi leading the line with Suarez reintegrated, the guests should find breakthroughs.
Cincinnati will likely get on the scoresheet. This is, thanks to their attacking trio and home backing. But ultimately Miami’s class and offensive fluidity should carry them through. A 1-3 away win seems plausible under the circumstances.
The FC Cincinnati vs Inter Miami MLS play-offs clash is on November 23, 2025, at TQL Stadium, Cincinnati, USA.
Inter Miami are favorites to win with a moneyline at +120, to draw at +275 and for FC Cincinnati to win at +185.
Lionel Messi to score anytime: -145
Jordi Alba to assist anytime: +300
Luis Suarez to either score or assist: -118
soccer Football writer at The Playoffs. I’ve been obsessed with the beautiful game since I was a kid.. Eventually, I realized I could combine my passion for writing with my love for football, and I’ve never looked back. My favorite part of the job is everything—when you’re doing what you love, even a late-night deadline feels like extra time in a thrilling cup final. Lastly, Lionel Messi is the GOAT.
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