American sports are American. European soccer is European. This is an obvious point, but still an essential one for grasping the cultural significance of Bayern Munich vs. Manchester City.

We respect the money in the United States. Our founders were men who made money. Our ancestors were men and women who came here for the “opportunity” to make money (or forcibly to make someone else money). Our social elites, be they Rockefellers, Carnegies, Hiltons or, in the reality TV and sex tape era, Kardashians, have status because they have money.

Manchester City resonates with us. It’s a classic American narrative. The traditionally downtrodden club had a moment of good fortune (being bought by wealthy Abu Dhabian investors). It steadily improved its circumstances, enduring trials along the way. Now, it is in position to conquer the bigger clubs that held it down.

For Europeans, Manchester City is not a success story. It’s a disruption. Class, though no longer a legal designation, exists. Soccer clubs compete in the same league, but inhabit certain strata. Certain clubs, especially four-time European champion and 22-time German champion Bayern Munich, scream about “financial fair play,” ostensibly to keep the established order intact.

Manchester City is the wealthier club, with better talent and a deeper squad, but, against Bayern Munich, it is they who must conquer their inferiority complex.

Aside from the cultural significance, the matchup may be the most compelling of the group stages. Bayern and City are both flying in their respective domestic leagues, outscoring opponents by a combined 40-6 margin thus far. Debate has already begun on whether this could be one of the best Bayern teams of all-time (which is saying a lot).

This matchup also has the most at stake. Both clubs have designs on the entire tournament and will try to position themselves best by winning the group. Both are members of the “Group of Death” and could conceivably be eliminated before the knockout stages. This should be a good time.

[Photo via Getty]