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The Champions League remains the Blues' hard-to-catch prize. They desire it deeply. Yet, their credentials took a hit on Dutch soil, a 1-1 draw against Twente not at all the ideal start in a competition they aim to dominate.

In spite of their dominance in possession, the home side that struck first, through captain Danique van Ginkel, prior to Sandy Baltimore scored from the penalty mark to level the scores.

Domestic Dominance Yet Continental Disappointment

Every trophy holds value, yet for the squad that has consistently triumphed domestically, the yearning for the missing trophy is intense. It eluded them under Emma Hayes’ reign, loss against Barcelona in the 2020-21 final the nearest they came. Three consecutive semi-final defeats against the Catalan side, including an 8-2 aggregate loss last season, have hurt each time.

Squad Rotation Proves Costly

The manager flexed her squad's depth ahead of the visit to Enschede, featuring just four starters from the previous match in the lineup, but it proved expensive as they began their European journey in a new era – the initial phase now a league phase akin to the male competition.

These two teams faced off during the previous group stage, as Chelsea inflicting a heavy overall loss on the Dutch champions. The captain stated they'd look a bit changed after a year. “I hope we've matured a bit and can address our past mistakes,” she added.

Twente's Maturity Evident

At their stadium that maturity showed, the hosts avoided to compete with the Blues' pressure or engage one-on-one, they proved a cohesive team, irritating the Blues who sent wave after wave at the home team.

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

Yet, Twente had the best opportunity in the first period. Leonie Vliek found space following a smart exchange with Jill Roord, yet rather of shooting she passed for the team's top scorer who was denied by the defense.

Chelsea showed spirit but a lack of teamwork, the changes having an impact, especially in the final third. Maika Hamano ought to have scored from a cutback but blasted high from the spot in a key moment, while the keeper helped keep Twente in it.

Second Half Action

After halftime, a recent addition scored a goal, slotting home a low cross, but the flag went up, the provider having been in an illegal position.

The coach turned to her bench in an attempt to change the game soon after. Two players were replaced, including one with a concussion, for new energy and an ex- hosts' star.

Missed Chances

The home side created another golden chance to go ahead just before the 60-minute point. Having won the ball in the Chelsea third, a driven pass found a player at the far post yet a challenge denied the chance.

Their opportunities were scarce and as each passed without scoring, it felt like the home side might pay the price. Yet, it was Chelsea regretting their poor finishing. A cutback reached the captain who moved onto her right foot and struck past the goalkeeper.

Leveling Penalty

Chelsea kept pushing. They have not produced thrilling displays this season but they have earned points and in the Netherlands they continued that trend. A challenge on a player gave the visitors a spot-kick, although they might have had one earlier when a late boot hit a teammate. Baltimore scored to make it even.

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