Claudio Braga told Sky Sports News that the Hearts squad has been nurturing a strong belief in their ability to clinch the Scottish Premiership title for most of this dramatic season. The Jambos have spent the majority of the campaign at the top of the table, currently sitting three points ahead of defending champions Celtic, with Rangers a further point back. Braga, who is among the contenders for the PFA Scotland Premiership Player of the Year award, is aware that the club’s first league triumph since 1960 feels increasingly within reach.
"We just wanted to face it game by game and that was really important," the Portuguese forward explained. He added that the team now understands that winning every remaining match would guarantee the championship, a prospect that resonates with the city, the club’s hierarchy, and the supporters alike.
"We need to stay calm," he said, referencing the crucial upcoming fixture against Rangers on Monday night, a match that could potentially secure a three‑point cushion. Hearts have been the standard‑bearers for most of the season, leading the pack and maintaining a narrow margin over Celtic.
Their consistency has been underpinned by Braga’s contributions; the 26‑year‑old arrived from Norway’s second‑division side Aalesunds last summer and has already become the team’s top scorer with 17 goals. His arrival marked a significant step up in competition, and he admits he initially doubted whether he would even start regularly.
"I was thinking, is it possible to win silverware, maybe a cup? That was my expectation, perhaps fight for a top‑three finish," Braga recalled. "That was definitely the expectation when I came to Hearts and tried to fight for my spot. I wasn’t even sure if I could start.
The level was different from what I was used to, so it was a big step for me." He goes on to say that the season’s progress has been a surprise even to him. "I wasn’t expecting anything that happened this year, so it’s just a big surprise, but I’m so glad for it," he said, emphasizing the collective belief that has grown within the squad. "We started to believe a long time ago, but we couldn’t say it out loud. Now, with just four games left, it’s on us." The upcoming home clash against Rangers on May 4 will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, and it represents a pivotal moment for the Jambos.
A victory would not only widen their lead but also place the title firmly in their hands, provided they maintain focus and composure in the remaining fixtures. Beyond the immediate title race, the Scottish Premiership is also seeing a flurry of activity off the pitch. Fans can follow live league tables, stream matches without a contract, and watch free highlights. Additionally, the league is promoting a goal‑of‑the‑season vote, featuring twelve standout strikes from players across the division, including Aberdeen’s Marko Lazetic, Celtic’s Reo Hatate, Callum McGregor, Hyun‑Jun Yang, Sebastian Tounekti, Dundee’s Ethan Hamilton, Zac Sapsford of Dundee United, Falkirk’s Kyrell Wilson, Hearts’ Alex Kyziridis, Ben Brannan of Kilmarnock, and Rangers’ duo Jayden Meghoma and Youssef Chermiti.
Supporters are encouraged to view all the nominated goals and cast their votes for the most memorable. The season’s climax also coincides with the Super 6 competition, offering fans a chance to win a £250,000 prize pool. Participation is free, and the promotion adds an extra layer of excitement to an already thrilling finish to the Scottish football calendar.
In summary, Claudio Braga’s comments capture the evolution of Hearts’ mindset from cautious optimism to confident expectation. The team’s steady performance, combined with Braga’s personal journey from a newcomer unsure of his role to the league’s leading scorer, illustrates the narrative of a club on the verge of historic success. With a crucial match against Rangers looming, the Jambos are poised to either cement their dominance or face a final test of character.
The next few weeks will determine whether Hearts can finally lift the Premiership trophy after a 66‑year wait, fulfilling the hopes of a city, a club, and a fanbase that has believed for a long time but could not voice it until now.