Claudio Braga told Sky Sports News that the Hearts squad has carried a strong belief in their ability to win the Scottish Premiership for most of this roller‑coaster season. The Jambos have been leading the table for the bulk of the campaign and now sit three points clear of defending champions Celtic, with Rangers a further point behind in fourth place.
The Portuguese striker, who is also in contention for the PFA Scotland Premiership Player of the Year award, says the club’s first league crown since 1960 feels within reach. “We just wanted to take it game by game and that was really important,” he explained. “Now we understand that if we win every remaining match we will lift the title. That is what the city, the club and the supporters are all hoping for.” Braga stressed the need for composure ahead of a crucial showdown on Monday night against Rangers.
“We need to stay calm, and we have a very important game on Monday night, and hopefully we go away with three points,” he added. “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.” The 26‑year‑old joined Hearts from Norwegian second‑division side Aalesunds in the summer and has already become the team’s top scorer, netting 17 goals so far. He reflected on his personal journey: “When I arrived I wondered if 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 and fought for a place in the starting XI.” He admitted that at the start of the season he was unsure whether he would even start matches, noting the step up in quality from his previous league: “The level was different from what I was used to, so it was a big step for me. I wasn’t expecting the success we’re having this year – it’s a huge surprise and I’m really happy about it.” Hearts’ next fixture is a home clash with Rangers on 4 May, broadcast live on Sky Sports. The match is expected to be a decisive moment in the title race, as a win would extend Hearts’ lead to four points with only three games remaining, putting the Scottish champions in a commanding position.
Beyond the immediate drama, the season has produced a host of memorable moments. The league’s governing body has opened a fan poll to choose the goal of the season so far, featuring twelve spectacular strikes from players across the division, including Aberdeen’s Marko Lazetic, Celtic’s Reo Hatate and Callum McGregor, Hyun‑Jun Yang and Sebastian Tounekti, 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 are encouraged to watch the highlights and cast their votes for the most impressive finish. The campaign’s climax also coincides with the Super 6 competition, offering fans a chance to win a £250,000 prize pool.
Participants can enter for free and follow the action as the Scottish Premiership draws to a close. Overall, Braga’s comments capture the blend of confidence, humility and determination that defines Hearts’ approach this season. After a long period of belief that was kept under wraps, the team now openly acknowledges that the title is within their grasp, provided they maintain focus, keep their composure and secure victories in the remaining fixtures. The upcoming encounter with Rangers will be a litmus test for their resolve, and a positive result could see the Edinburgh club lift the league trophy for the first time in more than six decades, delivering a historic moment for the city and its passionate fan base.