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The Champions League continues to be the Blues' hard-to-catch prize. They desire it deeply. However, their title hopes suffered in the Netherlands, a stalemate versus the hosts far from the perfect beginning to a tournament they hope to dominate.

In spite of their dominance of the ball, it was who took the lead, via skipper Danique van Ginkel, prior to Sandy Baltimore converted from the spot for the equaliser.

Domestic Dominance But European Disappointment

Each piece of silverware is precious, yet for the team that has repeatedly triumphed domestically, the longing for the final piece is intense. It escaped them during Emma Hayes’ tenure, loss against Barcelona in the 2020-21 final the nearest they came. Three straight last-four losses to Barcelona, including an 8-2 aggregate defeat last season, have hurt on every occasion.

Squad Rotation Proves Costly

The manager flexed the team's strength ahead of the visit to Enschede, with only four starters from the last game in the lineup, yet it turned out costly as they began their Champions League campaign in a new era – the initial phase replaced by league phase similar to the men's tournament.

These two teams met in last season's opening round, as Chelsea handing out a heavy overall defeat to the Eredivisie winners. The captain remarked they would appear a bit changed after a year. “I hope we've matured a bit and can fix our past mistakes,” she said.

Home Side's Growth Evident

On home turf that growth showed, Twente didn't attempt to match Chelsea's press or engage individually, they proved a cohesive team, frustrating the Blues who sent repeated attacks toward the goal.

Twente's players celebrate Danique van Ginkel after her first strike.

However, the hosts created the top chance in the first period. Leonie Vliek found space after a neat exchange with a teammate, yet rather of aiming for goal she squared to their top scorer but the effort was cleared by the defense.

Chelsea showed spirit yet missing teamwork, the changes having an impact, especially in the final third. A forward ought to have scored with a chance but fired over from the spot in their best effort, and the goalkeeper helped keep Twente in it.

Second Half Drama

In the second half, a recent addition scored a goal, slotting home a driven ball, yet the assistant went up, the provider having been in an illegal position.

The manager turned to her bench to try to alter the dynamics soon after. Two players made way, one due to a concussion, for fresh legs and a former Twente player.

Missed Chances

The home side created a clear opportunity to take the lead right around the hour mark. After regaining the ball in attack, a low cross found a player at the far post but a tackle prevented the goal.

The hosts' chances were scarce and as each missed without scoring, it seemed like the home side might pay the price. Yet, it would be the Blues ruing their wastefulness. A cutback reached the captain who moved to her strong foot and struck past the goalkeeper.

Leveling Penalty

The Blues kept pushing. They haven't delivered exciting performances this term but they have secured results and away from home they continued that pattern. A challenge on Guro Reiten gave the visitors a spot-kick, though they could have earned one sooner when a late boot caught a player. Baltimore converted to tie the game.

A victory escaped them, but they have chances to bounce back in future matches ahead of meeting familiar foes and former champions.