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The Champions League remains Chelsea's hard-to-catch prize. They crave it deeply. Yet, their credentials suffered on Dutch soil, a 1-1 draw against Twente not at all the ideal start in a competition they hope to dominate.

Despite their dominance in possession, the home side who took the lead, through captain Danique van Ginkel, before Sandy Baltimore converted from the spot for the equaliser.

Domestic Dominance Yet Continental Disappointment

Every trophy holds value, but for the team which has consistently won it all, the longing for the missing trophy is powerful. It eluded them under Emma Hayes’ reign, defeat to Barcelona in the 2020-21 final the closest they got. Three straight semi-final defeats against the Catalan side, including a heavy combined loss the previous campaign, have hurt each time.

Team Changes Takes Its Toll

The manager showcased the team's strength ahead of the visit to the Netherlands, featuring just four starters from the last game in the lineup, but it proved expensive as they started their European journey in a new era – the initial phase now a expanded stage akin to the men's tournament.

These two teams faced off in last season's opening round, with the Blues handing out a heavy overall defeat on the Dutch champions. The captain stated they'd look somewhat different after a year. “I hope we've matured somewhat and can address our past mistakes,” she said.

Home Side's Growth Evident

On home turf that maturity was evident, the hosts avoided to compete with Chelsea's press or battle individually, they proved an efficient unit, frustrating the Blues who launched wave after wave toward the goal.

Twente's players gather around Danique van Ginkel following the first strike.

However, Twente had the top chance of the half. Leonie Vliek found space after a neat exchange with Jill Roord, yet rather of aiming for goal she passed to their top scorer but the effort was cleared by the defense.

There was energy yet missing cohesion, the changes having an impact, particularly in the final third. Maika Hamano ought to have scored with a chance but blasted high from the spot in a key moment, while the keeper helped keep Twente in it.

After the Break Action

After halftime, a new signing scored a goal, turning in a driven ball, but the flag was raised, the passer having been in an illegal position.

The manager turned to the substitutes in an attempt to change the game soon after. Two players made way, one due to a concussion, for new energy and an ex- hosts' star.

Missed Chances

The home side created another golden chance to go ahead right around the hour mark. Having won the ball in attack, a driven pass reached a teammate in the box but a tackle prevented the goal.

The hosts' chances were scarce and as each missed without scoring, it seemed like the home side would be punished. Yet, it was Chelsea regretting their poor finishing. A cutback found Van Ginkel who moved to her strong foot and fired past the goalkeeper.

Leveling Penalty

The Blues kept pushing. They have not produced thrilling performances this term yet they've secured results and in the Netherlands they extended that pattern. A foul on a player earned the away side a penalty, though they could have had one sooner when a late boot hit a teammate. Baltimore scored to tie the game.

A winner eluded them, yet they possess chances to recover in future matches before facing familiar foes and former champions.