Claudio Braga told Sky Sports News that the Hearts squad has been brimming with confidence about clinching the Scottish Premiership title for most of this extraordinary season. The Jambos have been the benchmark for the league, maintaining a three‑point lead over defending champions Celtic and staying just one point ahead of Rangers as the campaign draws to a close.
The Portuguese forward, who is also in contention for the PFA Scotland Premiership Player of the Year award, believes that Hearts’ first league crown since 1960 is now within realistic reach. “We just wanted to take it one match at a time and that approach proved vital,” Braga explained.
“Now we understand that if we win every remaining fixture, the trophy is ours. That is the expectation of the city, the club and the supporters.” He added that composure will be essential ahead of the crucial Monday night showdown with Rangers.
“We need to stay calm, take the game step by step and, hopefully, walk away with three points,” he said, emphasizing the importance of maintaining focus in the final stretch. Braga, 26, arrived at Hearts from Norwegian second‑division side Aalesunds in the summer and has quickly become the team’s leading marksman, having netted 17 goals to date. His journey from a relatively unknown striker to a key figure in a title‑challenging side has been remarkable.
“When I first came here I wondered whether I could win any silverware at all, maybe just aim for a top‑three finish,” he recalled. “That was my realistic expectation when I signed, and I fought hard for a place in the starting eleven.” He admitted that the step up in quality was significant. “I wasn’t even sure if I would start regularly; the level was higher than what I was used to, so it felt like a big leap,” Braga said. “What has happened this season has been a huge surprise for me, and I’m delighted to be part of it.” The upcoming match against Rangers at Tynecastle on May 4 will be televised live on Sky Sports and could prove decisive.
With only four games left in the season, the pressure is mounting, but Braga remains optimistic. “We started to believe a long time ago, but we couldn’t say it out loud. Now, with just a handful of fixtures remaining, the responsibility is on us to finish the job.” Beyond the immediate title race, the Scottish Premiership is buzzing with other storylines. The league table remains tight, and clubs such as Aberdeen, Celtic, Dundee United and Falkirk are all fighting for European spots or to avoid relegation.
Fans can follow live updates, stream matches without a contract, and catch free highlights across various platforms. In addition to the on‑field drama, the league is promoting a fan‑engagement initiative: a vote for the Goal of the Season. Candidates include 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.
Supporters are encouraged to view all twelve spectacular strikes and cast their vote for the most memorable. Off the pitch, the league is also running a Super 6 competition, offering participants a chance to win a £250,000 prize pool.
Entry is free, and the promotion aims to keep fans engaged throughout the season’s climax. Overall, Braga’s comments encapsulate the mixture of belief, ambition and realism that defines Hearts’ title charge. After a season that has seen them lead the standings for most of its duration, the Jambos now stand on the brink of ending a 64‑year wait for a league crown. The final weeks will test their resolve, but with a prolific striker in form, a supportive fan base, and a clear game‑by‑game strategy, Hearts appear poised to make history.
Whether they can hold off the fierce challenges from Celtic and Rangers remains to be seen, but Braga’s confidence suggests that the club’s players are ready to seize the moment. The upcoming clash with Rangers will likely be the litmus test for their title credentials, and a victory could cement Hearts’ position at the summit, turning long‑held belief into tangible triumph.