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The Champions League continues to be Chelsea's hard-to-catch prize. They desire it intensely. However, their credentials suffered on Dutch soil, a 1-1 draw against Twente not at all the ideal start to a tournament they aim to conquer.

In spite of their control in possession, it was that struck first, via skipper Danique van Ginkel, before Sandy Baltimore converted from the penalty mark for the equaliser.

Domestic Dominance Yet Continental Heartbreak

Every trophy is precious, but for the team which has repeatedly won it all, the yearning for the missing trophy is powerful. It eluded them under Emma Hayes’ tenure, defeat to Barcelona in the 2020-21 final the closest they came. Three straight last-four losses to Barcelona, featuring an 8-2 aggregate defeat the previous campaign, have stung each time.

Team Changes Takes Its Toll

The coach flexed her squad's depth for the trip to the Netherlands, with only four starters from the previous match in the lineup, but it proved expensive as they began their European journey under a new format – the group stage replaced by expanded stage similar to the men's tournament.

These two teams faced off in last season's opening round, as Chelsea handing out a 9-2 aggregate loss to the Eredivisie winners. Van Ginkel remarked they would appear somewhat different after a year. “I trust we've grown a bit and can address what we did wrong,” she added.

Home Side's Growth Evident

At their stadium that growth was evident, the hosts avoided to compete with the Blues' pressure or battle individually, they proved a cohesive team, frustrating the Blues who launched repeated attacks toward the goal.

The home side gather around their captain following the first strike.

Yet, Twente had the top chance in the first period. A player had room after a neat one-two with a teammate, yet rather of shooting she passed to their top scorer who was denied by the defense.

There was energy but a lack of cohesion, the rotations taking a toll, particularly in the final third. A forward ought to have scored from a cutback but blasted high from close range in a key moment, while the keeper made key saves.

After the Break Action

After halftime, a recent addition found the net, turning in a driven ball, yet the assistant was raised, the passer having been in an illegal position.

The manager looked to her bench to try to alter the dynamics soon after. Two players were replaced, including one with a head injury, for new energy and an ex- Twente player.

Wasted Opportunities

The home side created another golden chance to take the lead just before the hour mark. After regaining possession in attack, a driven pass found a player in the box but a tackle prevented the goal.

The hosts' chances were scarce and with every missed without a goal, it seemed like the home side would be punished. Yet, it would be Chelsea regretting their wastefulness. A cutback reached the captain who moved onto her right foot and fired into the net.

Late Equalizer

The Blues continued pressing. They haven't delivered exciting performances this season yet they've secured results and in the Netherlands they extended that trend. A foul on Guro Reiten gave the visitors a spot-kick, though they could have earned one earlier from a high foot caught a player. Baltimore converted to make it even.

A victory eluded them, but they have opportunities to recover in future matches before facing familiar foes and title winners.