Claudio Braga opened up to Sky Sports News about the growing confidence within the Hearts squad as they chase their first Scottish Premiership crown since 1960. The Portuguese forward, who has been a standout performer this season, said the team’s belief started to take shape early in the campaign, even if it wasn’t spoken aloud at the time.
"We just started to believe a long time ago, but we couldn’t really say it out loud," Braga explained. "Now, with only four games left, the title is within our reach and it’s up to us to finish the job." Hearts have dominated the league for most of the season, sitting three points clear of the reigning champions Celtic and a further point ahead of Rangers.
Braga, a nominee for the PFA Scotland Premiership Player of the Year, knows how significant a triumph would be for the club and its supporters. He highlighted the importance of taking the season one match at a time, a mindset that has helped the Jambo’s maintain composure under pressure. "We just wanted to face it game by game and that was really important," the 26‑year‑old striker said. "Now we know that if we win every remaining fixture, the title is ours.
That’s what the city, the club and the fans are all expecting." Looking ahead, Braga emphasized the need for calm ahead of the decisive Monday night clash with Rangers on May 4. A victory would put Hearts three points clear with a game in hand, essentially sealing the championship.
"We need to be calm, and we have a very important game Monday night [vs Rangers], and hopefully we get there with three points," he added. Braga’s own journey to Edinburgh has been remarkable. He arrived from Norwegian second‑division side Aalesunds last summer and quickly became Hearts’ leading scorer, netting 17 goals so far.
He reflected on his initial expectations when he first signed for the club. "I was thinking, is it possible to win silverware, maybe a cup, or at least fight for a top‑three finish? That was my expectation when I came to Hearts and tried to earn my place," Braga said. "I wasn’t even sure if I would start, because the level was higher than what I was used to.
It was a big step for me." The Scottish forward admitted he never imagined the season would unfold the way it has. "I wasn’t expecting anything like this year, so it’s a huge surprise, but I’m so glad for it," he confessed. Hearts’ upcoming home fixture against Rangers promises to be a climactic showdown, broadcast live on Sky Sports.
The match will likely decide whether the Jambo’s can convert their long‑standing belief into a historic league triumph. Beyond the on‑field drama, the Scottish Premiership is also gearing up for a fan‑driven awards segment. As the 2025/26 season draws to a close, supporters are invited to vote for the Goal of the Season. The shortlist features an eclectic mix of talent: Aberdeen’s Marko Lazetić, 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.
Fans can view all twelve contenders and cast their vote for the most spectacular strike. In addition to the voting, the league is promoting its Super 6 competition, offering participants a chance to win a £250,000 prize pool. Entry is free, encouraging widespread engagement from supporters across Scotland. Overall, Braga’s comments capture the blend of cautious optimism and fierce ambition that defines Hearts’ title charge.
After a season of consistent performances, they now stand on the brink of a triumph that would end a 63‑year wait for the league trophy. The final stretch will test their resolve, but with a prolific scorer in Braga, a solid defensive unit, and a passionate fan base behind them, Hearts appear poised to make history. The upcoming match against Rangers will be the ultimate litmus test – a chance to confirm that the belief seeded early in the campaign has truly blossomed into a championship‑winning reality.