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The Champions League continues to be the Blues' hard-to-catch trophy. They desire it deeply. However, their title hopes took a hit on Dutch soil, a stalemate against Twente far from the ideal start in a competition they hope to dominate.

In spite of their dominance of the ball, the home side who took the lead, via skipper Danique van Ginkel, prior to Sandy Baltimore scored from the spot to level the scores.

Home Success But European Heartbreak

Every trophy holds value, yet for the team that has consistently triumphed domestically, the longing for the final piece is intense. It escaped them during Emma Hayes’ reign, defeat to Barcelona in the 2020-21 final the nearest they came. Three consecutive last-four losses against the Catalan side, including a heavy combined defeat last season, have hurt each time.

Squad Rotation Proves Costly

The coach flexed her squad's depth ahead of the visit to Enschede, featuring just four starters from the last game on the pitch, but it proved costly as they began their Champions League campaign in a new era – the initial phase now a expanded stage akin to the male competition.

These two teams faced off during the previous group stage, as Chelsea 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 fix what we did wrong,” she added.

Twente's Maturity Evident

On home turf that maturity showed, the hosts avoided to match Chelsea's press or battle one-on-one, they were a cohesive team, frustrating the Blues who sent repeated attacks toward the goal.

The home side celebrate Danique van Ginkel after her opening goal.

However, the hosts created the best opportunity of the half. A player had room following a smart exchange with a teammate, yet rather of shooting she squared for the team's top scorer but the effort was cleared by a defender.

Chelsea showed spirit yet missing teamwork, the rotations taking a toll, especially in attack. Maika Hamano ought to have scored from a cutback but fired over from close range in a key moment, while the keeper helped keep Twente in it.

After the Break Action

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

The coach turned to the substitutes to try to change the game soon after. Two starters were replaced, one due to a head injury, for fresh legs and a former hosts' star.

Missed Chances

Twente had a clear opportunity to go ahead right around the hour mark. Having won the ball in attack, a low cross found a player at the far post but a tackle denied the chance.

The hosts' chances were limited and with every missed without a goal, it felt that Twente might pay the price. Yet, it was Chelsea regretting their poor finishing. A cutback found Van Ginkel who moved onto her right foot and fired past the goalkeeper.

Late Equalizer

Chelsea kept pushing. They have not produced thrilling displays this term yet they've secured results and in the Netherlands they extended that pattern. A foul on a player gave the visitors a spot-kick, although they might have had one sooner when a late boot caught a player. Baltimore converted to make it even.

A victory eluded them, yet they possess opportunities to recover in future matches before facing familiar foes and title winners.