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The Champions League continues to be the Blues' hard-to-catch prize. They desire it deeply. However, their title hopes took a hit on Dutch soil, a 1-1 draw versus the hosts not at all the perfect beginning to a tournament they hope to conquer.

Despite their control in possession, it was that struck first, through captain Danique van Ginkel, before Sandy Baltimore converted from the spot for the equaliser.

Home Success But European Heartbreak

Each piece of silverware holds value, yet for the team that has repeatedly triumphed domestically, the yearning for the missing trophy is intense. It eluded them under Emma Hayes’ tenure, loss against Barcelona in the 2020-21 final the nearest they came. Three consecutive semi-final defeats against the Catalan side, featuring a heavy combined loss the previous campaign, have hurt each time.

Squad Rotation Proves Costly

The manager showcased her squad's depth for the trip to Enschede, featuring just four players from the last game in the lineup, but it proved expensive as they started their Champions League campaign in a new era – the initial phase now a expanded stage akin to the men's tournament.

The two sides met in last season's group stage, with the Blues inflicting a heavy overall loss on the Dutch champions. Van Ginkel stated they'd look somewhat different one year on. “I hope we've grown a bit and can address what we did wrong,” she added.

Twente's Maturity On Display

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

Twente's players gather around Danique van Ginkel following the opening goal.

Yet, the hosts created the top chance of the half. A player found space after a neat exchange with a teammate, yet rather of shooting she passed for the team's top scorer but the effort was cleared by the defense.

There was energy yet missing teamwork, the changes having an impact, particularly in the final third. A forward should have done better with a chance but fired over from close range in their best effort, while the keeper made key saves.

After the Break Drama

In the second half, a new signing found the net, slotting home a driven ball, but the flag went up, the provider having been offside.

The coach looked to the substitutes in an attempt to change the game soon after. Two players made way, including one with a head injury, for fresh legs and a former Twente player.

Wasted Opportunities

The home side created another golden chance to take the lead right around the 60-minute point. Having won possession in the Chelsea third, a low cross reached a teammate in the box but a tackle denied the chance.

The hosts' chances were limited and as each passed without scoring, it seemed that Twente would be punished. However, it was Chelsea regretting their wastefulness. A cutback found Van Ginkel and she shifted to her strong foot and fired past the goalkeeper.

Late Equalizer

The Blues kept pushing. They haven't produced thrilling performances this term yet they've earned points and in the Netherlands they extended that trend. A challenge on Guro Reiten gave the visitors a spot-kick, although they might have had one earlier when a late boot hit a teammate. Baltimore converted to make it even.

A winner escaped them, but they have chances to bounce back in future matches before facing old rivals and former champions.