Claudio Braga told Sky Sports News that the Hearts squad has been brimming with confidence about clinching the Premiership title for most of this dramatic season. The Jambos have dominated the league for the majority of the campaign, sitting three points clear of the reigning champions Celtic, with Rangers a further point behind in third place.
As one of the nominees for the PFA Scotland Premiership Player of the Year, Braga knows that the club’s first league crown since 1960 is now within reach. "We just wanted to take it one match at a time and that was crucial," the Portuguese forward explained.
"Now we understand that if we keep winning each game, the title will be ours. That is the expectation of the city, the club and the supporters." He added that the team must remain composed as they head into a pivotal fixture on Monday night against Rangers. "We need to stay calm and secure those three points," Braga said, emphasizing the importance of the upcoming clash. "We started to believe a long time ago, but we couldn’t say it out loud.
With only four games left, the responsibility is on us." Braga, who arrived at Hearts from Norway’s second‑division side Aalesunds last summer, has become the club’s leading scorer this season, having netted 17 goals. The 26‑year‑old reflected on his personal journey, noting that when he first joined the team he was unsure whether he would even start.
"The level was higher than what I was used to, so it was a big step for me," he admitted. "I only expected to win a cup or perhaps fight for a top‑three finish. I never imagined we would be in this position. It’s a huge surprise and I’m thrilled about it." Hearts’ next league encounter is a home match against Rangers on May 4, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.
The match is expected to be a decisive moment in the title race, as both sides vie for the crucial three points that could determine the championship. Beyond the immediate fixture, the Scottish Premiership is approaching the climax of the 2025/26 season. Fans are being invited to vote for the goal of the season, with a shortlist that includes Aberdeen’s Marko Lazetic, Celtic’s Reo Hatate, Callum McGregor, Hyun‑Jun Yang and Sebastian Tounekti, Dundee’s Ethan Hamilton, Dundee United’s Zac Sapsford, Falkirk’s Kyrell Wilson, Hearts’ Alex Kyziridis, Kilmarnock’s Ben Brannan, and Rangers’ Jayden Meghoma and Youssef Chermiti.
The voting process encourages supporters to watch the compilation of twelve spectacular goals and select their favourite. The excitement surrounding the league’s conclusion is further amplified by the Super 6 competition, which offers participants a chance to win a £250,000 prize pool. Entry to the Super 6 is free, adding an extra layer of engagement for fans following the Scottish Premiership’s dramatic finish.
Overall, Braga’s remarks underline a blend of cautious optimism and determination. The Jambos have transformed early belief into tangible results, and now they stand on the brink of ending a 63‑year wait for a league title. The upcoming match against Rangers will test their composure and resolve, but the team’s confidence, bolstered by Braga’s leadership and goal‑scoring prowess, suggests they are ready to seize the moment. If they maintain their winning momentum over the final four fixtures, Hearts could very well lift the Premiership trophy, fulfilling the aspirations of the city, the club, and its passionate fanbase.