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The Champions League continues to be the Blues' hard-to-catch prize. They crave it intensely. Yet, their title hopes suffered on Dutch soil, a stalemate against Twente far from the ideal start to a tournament they aim to conquer.

In spite of their dominance of the ball, it was who took the lead, through captain Danique van Ginkel, prior to Sandy Baltimore scored from the penalty mark to level the scores.

Home Success But European Disappointment

Each piece of silverware is precious, yet for the team that has repeatedly triumphed domestically, the yearning for the final piece is intense. It escaped them under Emma Hayes’ reign, loss against Barcelona in the 2020-21 final the closest they came. Three consecutive last-four losses to Barcelona, featuring a heavy combined loss last season, have stung each time.

Squad Rotation Takes Its Toll

The coach flexed the team's strength for the trip to Enschede, featuring just four starters from the last game in the lineup, but it proved expensive as they began their European journey in a new era – the group stage now a league phase similar to the men's tournament.

These two teams faced off during the previous group stage, as Chelsea inflicting a 9-2 aggregate defeat to the Eredivisie winners. Van Ginkel remarked they would appear somewhat different after a year. “I hope we've matured a bit and can fix our past mistakes,” she said.

Home Side's Growth Evident

At their stadium that maturity showed, the hosts avoided to match Chelsea's press or engage 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 after her first strike.

However, the hosts created the best opportunity in the first period. A player found space following a smart exchange with a teammate, yet rather of shooting she squared to their leading striker but the effort was cleared by the defense.

Chelsea showed spirit yet missing teamwork, the changes having an impact, particularly in the final third. A forward should have done better from a cutback but fired over from close range in their best effort, while the keeper made key saves.

Second Half Action

After halftime, a recent addition scored a goal, slotting home a driven ball, yet the assistant was raised, the passer having been in an illegal position.

The manager turned to the substitutes to try to change the game soon after. Two starters were replaced, including one with a concussion, for new energy and an ex- Twente player.

Wasted Opportunities

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 reached a teammate in the box but a tackle denied the chance.

Their opportunities were limited and with every passed without scoring, it felt like the home side would be punished. However, it was the Blues ruing their wastefulness. A cutback reached the captain and she shifted onto her right foot and fired into the net.

Late Equalizer

Chelsea continued pressing. They have not produced thrilling displays this season but they have secured results and in the Netherlands they extended that pattern. A foul on Guro Reiten earned the away side a spot-kick, though they could have had one sooner when a late boot hit a teammate. Baltimore scored to make it even.

A victory eluded them, but they have chances to recover against upcoming opponents ahead of meeting old rivals and former champions.