Can Sir Alex, Braga's Brilliance, and Tynecastle Propel Hearts to Success?

Hearts have taken a significant step towards breaking the long-standing dominance of Celtic and Rangers in Scottish football, thanks to a narrow win over Aberdeen, which has put them seven points clear at the top of the Premiership. With Sir Alex Ferguson, the last manager to lead a team other than the Old Firm to a Scottish top-flight title, watching from the stands, Hearts are aiming to replicate that historic achievement as they push for their first league title since 1960.

Last updated: 01 March 2026 (BST)

What’s happening now

Hearts' recent victory solidifies their position at the top of the league table, marking a crucial moment in their campaign as they aim to secure the title. The win against Aberdeen, though narrow at 1-0, demonstrates their resilience and ability to perform under pressure. With nine games remaining, the team is looking to maintain their form and fend off the challenges from both Rangers and Celtic, who are keen to close the gap.

Key takeaways

Hearts are currently seven points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership.
Sir Alex Ferguson attended the match, a significant figure in Scottish football history.
Claudio Braga scored the winning goal, contributing to his impressive tally this season.
Hearts face tough fixtures ahead, including matches against Motherwell and a trip to Celtic Park.
Former players and pundits express strong belief in Hearts' title ambitions.

Timeline: how we got here

Hearts' journey to the top of the Premiership has been marked by key moments this season:

August 2025: Start of the Scottish Premiership season.
December 2025: Hearts establish themselves as title contenders with consistent performances.
February 2026: Key victories against rivals boost Hearts' title push.
01 March 2026: Hearts defeat Aberdeen, moving seven points clear at the top.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Hearts' solid performance against Aberdeen has reinforced their status as title challengers. The team's ability to secure crucial points in tight matches has been a key takeaway, particularly with nine fixtures remaining. The attendance of Sir Alex Ferguson has also added a historical context to their current campaign.

What was already established

Hearts have been gradually building momentum throughout the season, with a series of impressive performances against both lower and higher-ranked teams. Their ability to attract talent, such as Claudio Braga from Norway, has also played a vital role in their success this season.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The success of Hearts can have a ripple effect across Edinburgh, boosting local businesses and community morale. As fans engage more with the club, increased attendance at matches can stimulate economic activity in the area.

Businesses and jobs

As Hearts continue to perform well, there may be increased investment in the club and local businesses, leading to job creation around match days and in hospitality sectors. This could also encourage sponsorship and partnership opportunities for the club.

Policy and regulation

With Hearts leading the league, there may be growing interest from stakeholders in Scottish football regarding policies that support club development and financial sustainability, especially for teams outside the traditional Glasgow powerhouses.

Numbers that matter

15 goals: Claudio Braga's tally this season, showcasing his importance to the team.
7 points: The current lead Hearts hold over their nearest rivals.
35 appearances: Braga's impressive contributions in terms of matches played this season.
2 wins: Hearts' consecutive victories, highlighting their current form.
41 years: The duration since a team other than Celtic or Rangers last won the league title.

Definitions and jargon buster

Scottish Premiership: The top professional football league in Scotland.
Old Firm: The term used to describe the historic rivalry between Celtic and Rangers.
Tynecastle: The home stadium of Heart of Midlothian FC.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Hearts will need to maintain their winning form as they face challenging fixtures against Motherwell and rivals Celtic. The team’s focus will be crucial to navigate the pressure of being top of the table.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As the season progresses, Hearts will need to manage player fitness and maintain squad depth to ensure consistent performance. Their ability to handle pressure in key matches will be tested.

Signals to watch

Upcoming fixtures against Motherwell and Celtic will be critical for title aspirations.
Player performance and injury updates, particularly for key figures like Braga.
Results of matches involving Rangers and Celtic, as they can influence Hearts' lead.

Practical guidance

Do

Support local businesses during match days to boost community morale.
Stay updated on player fitness and match previews to gauge performance expectations.
Engage with the community around the club to foster a positive atmosphere.

Don’t

Underestimate the pressure of being at the top of the league.
Neglect the importance of squad rotation to maintain player fitness.
Ignore the significance of upcoming rival matches that could impact morale.

Checklist

Check match schedules and ticket availability for upcoming fixtures.
Follow player performance statistics and injury reports closely.
Monitor Hearts' position in the league table regularly.
Engage with fan forums to stay connected with the community.
Support initiatives that promote local football and youth engagement.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While Hearts are currently in a strong position, the nature of football means that unexpected results can occur. The pressure of maintaining their lead may affect player performance. Additionally, injuries to key players could jeopardise their title ambitions. As the season progresses, the dynamics of the league may shift, particularly with the performance of their rivals.

Bottom line

Hearts are poised to break a 41-year streak of dominance by Celtic and Rangers as they sit at the top of the Scottish Premiership. With a solid squad and the backing of their fans, the momentum is in their favour. However, the challenges ahead are significant, and maintaining focus will be key to securing the title.

FAQs

How many points clear are Hearts at the top of the league?

Hearts are currently seven points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership.

When was the last time a team other than Celtic or Rangers won the league?

The last team other than Celtic or Rangers to win the Scottish top-flight title was Aberdeen in 1985.

Who scored the winning goal for Hearts against Aberdeen?

Claudio Braga scored the winning goal in Hearts' 1-0 victory over Aberdeen.