Claudio Braga told Sky Sports News that the Hearts squad has been feeling increasingly confident about winning the Premiership title for much of this thrilling season. The Jambos have been at the top of the table for the majority of the campaign and currently sit three points clear of defending champions Celtic, with Rangers a further point behind them. 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 striking distance. "We just wanted to take it game by game, and that mindset was crucial," the Portuguese forward explained.
"Now we understand that if we win every remaining match, the title is ours. That’s the expectation of the city, the club and the supporters." He added that composure will be key as Hearts prepare for a pivotal encounter on Monday night against Rangers. "We need to stay calm, and we have a very important game on Monday night – hopefully we come away with three points," Braga said, emphasizing the importance of maintaining focus in the final stretch. "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 26‑year‑old joined Hearts from Norwegian second‑division side Aalesunds last summer and has already become the club’s leading scorer this season, having netted 17 goals.
Reflecting on his arrival in Edinburgh, Braga recalled his initial doubts. "I wondered whether I could win any silverware, maybe a cup, or at least fight for a top‑three finish. That was my expectation when I signed for Hearts – to earn a place in the team and contribute," he said.
"I wasn’t even sure if I would start. The level here was higher than what I was used to, so it was a big step for me." He admitted that the success the team is enjoying now was far beyond his imagination. "I never expected what has happened this season. It’s a huge surprise, and I’m extremely grateful for it," Braga remarked.
Hearts' next league fixture is a home clash against Rangers on 4 May, 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 points needed to secure the championship. Beyond the on‑field drama, 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 nominated, including 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’ duo Jayden Meghoma and Youssef Chermiti.
Supporters can view all twelve videos and cast their votes for the most memorable goal. Meanwhile, the league’s promotional Super 6 competition offers a chance to win a £250,000 prize pool, with free entry available to fans who want to try their luck. Overall, Braga’s comments underline a shift in mindset at Hearts. From cautious optimism early in the season to a full‑blown belief in their ability to capture the league crown, the team’s journey has been marked by steady progress, resilience, and a growing sense of unity.
The forward’s personal story mirrors that of the club: arriving with modest expectations, adapting to a higher level of competition, and ultimately becoming a key figure in a historic title challenge. As the season draws to a close, Hearts must navigate the pressure of expectation from the city, the club hierarchy, and an enthusiastic fan base. The upcoming match against Rangers will test their resolve, but if they can maintain the composure Braga stresses and secure the needed points, the long‑awaited triumph since 1960 could finally be theirs.
The narrative of a club that once seemed a distant contender now stands on the brink of greatness, driven by a blend of individual brilliance, collective belief, and a relentless pursuit of victory.