Bayern were pipped to the Bundesliga title by Dortmund in 2011 and 2012, and Germany international Schweinsteiger believes missing out on the domestic title has pushed Bayern to new heights.

"I believe that Dortmund have played a key role in our results so far," Schweinsteiger was quoted as saying by SZ.

"If they had not been around, we would probably no have made the progress we have made now.

"Winning the Bundesliga is our top priority at the moment. However, I think that we can aim even higher this season.

"Going all the way in the Champions League is very hard, but there are no extraordinary teams except Barcelona."

Bayern hold a seven-point lead over Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga table.