Claudio Braga opened up to Sky Sports News about the growing belief within the Hearts squad that they can capture the Scottish Premiership crown this season. The Portuguese striker explained that the players have been feeling increasingly confident for much of this dramatic campaign, even if they were initially hesitant to voice it publicly. Hearts have been the dominant force for the majority of the campaign, sitting three points clear of defending champions Celtic, with Rangers trailing just one point further behind. Braga, who is among the nominees for the PFA Scotland Premiership Player of the Year award, knows that the Jambo's first league triumph since 1960 feels within reach.
"We just wanted to take it one match at a time and that was crucial," the 26‑year‑old forward told Sky Sports. "Now we understand that if we win every remaining game, the title will be ours. That's what the city, the club and the supporters are all hoping for." He stressed the importance of staying calm ahead of a pivotal encounter on Monday night against Rangers. "We have a very important game on Monday, and we hope to go into it with three points in the bag," Braga said, adding that the team’s mindset has shifted from cautious optimism to outright belief.
"We started to believe a long time ago, but we couldn't say it out loud. Now, with only four games left, the responsibility is on us," he continued.
The forward, who joined Hearts from Norwegian second‑division side Aalesunds last summer, has already become the club’s leading scorer this season, having found the net 17 times. Reflecting on his personal journey, Braga admitted that when he first arrived in Edinburgh he was unsure of his role. "I wondered whether I could even win any silverware, maybe just fight for a top‑three finish. That was my expectation when I signed," he recalled.
"I wasn’t even sure if I would start, because the level here is a step up from what I was used to. It was a big leap for me." The striker added that the season’s progress has been a pleasant surprise. "I didn’t expect anything like what we have achieved this year.
It’s been a huge shock, but I’m incredibly happy about it," he said. Hearts’ next league fixture is a home match against Rangers on 4 May, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.
The outcome of that game could prove decisive in determining whether the Hearts faithful finally see a league title after a 66‑year wait. Beyond the on‑field action, the Scottish Premiership is also gearing up for its end‑of‑season awards. Fans are being invited to vote for the Goal of the Season, with twelve spectacular strikes in contention.
The shortlist includes Aberdeen’s Marko Lazetić, Celtic’s Reo Hatate, Callum McGregor and Hyun‑Jun Yang, Dundee’s Ethan Hamilton, Dundee United’s Zac Sapsford, Falkirk’s Kyrell Wilson, Hearts’ own Alex Kyziridis, Kilmarnock’s Ben Brannan, and Rangers’ duo Jayden Meghoma and Youssef Chermiti. Supporters can view all twelve goals and cast their vote for the favorite. In addition to the football action, the league is promoting its Super 6 competition, offering fans a chance to win a share of a £250,000 prize pool.
Entrants can join for free, adding another layer of excitement to the closing weeks of the season. Overall, Braga’s comments encapsulate the mixture of cautious preparation and burgeoning confidence that defines Hearts’ title charge. After a season of leading the table, navigating tight fixtures and overcoming the pressure of historic expectations, the Jambo’s appear poised to make a final push.
The upcoming clash with Rangers will be a litmus test for their resolve, and if they can secure the three points they need, the prospect of ending a six‑decade title drought becomes a realistic scenario. The fans, the city, and the club are all eagerly awaiting the outcome, hopeful that this could be the season that finally restores the league crown to Hearts.