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The Champions League continues to be Chelsea's hard-to-catch prize. They crave it intensely. However, their credentials suffered on Dutch soil, a stalemate versus the hosts far from the perfect beginning to a tournament they aim to conquer.

In spite of their control of the ball, the home side who took the lead, through captain Danique van Ginkel, before Sandy Baltimore converted from the penalty mark for the equaliser.

Domestic Dominance But European Disappointment

Each piece of silverware holds value, yet for the squad that has repeatedly triumphed domestically, the yearning for the missing trophy is intense. It escaped them under Emma Hayes’ tenure, loss against Barcelona in the 2020-21 final the closest they got. Three straight semi-final defeats against the Catalan side, including a heavy combined loss the previous campaign, have stung each time.

Team Changes Takes Its Toll

The manager flexed her squad's depth for the trip to Enschede, with only four players from the previous match on the pitch, but it proved expensive as they started their Champions League campaign in a new era – the group stage now a expanded stage similar to the men's tournament.

The two sides faced off in last season's opening round, as Chelsea inflicting a heavy overall defeat on the Dutch champions. The captain remarked they'd look a bit changed one year on. “I hope we've grown a bit and can fix our past mistakes,” she added.

Home Side's Growth On Display

On home turf that maturity was evident, the hosts avoided to match the Blues' pressure or engage individually, they proved an efficient unit, frustrating the visitors who sent wave after wave at the home team.

The home side gather around Danique van Ginkel after her opening goal.

However, the hosts created the top chance in the first period. Leonie Vliek had room following a smart one-two with a teammate, but instead of aiming for goal she squared to their top scorer but the effort was cleared by the defense.

Chelsea showed spirit but a lack of cohesion, the rotations having an impact, especially in the final third. A forward 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 Drama

After halftime, a new signing scored a goal, turning in a low cross, yet the assistant went up, the passer having been offside.

The manager looked to her bench in an attempt to alter the dynamics soon after. Two starters were replaced, including one with a concussion, for new energy and a former Twente player.

Missed Chances

Twente had a clear opportunity to take the lead just before the 60-minute point. After regaining the ball in attack, a driven pass reached a teammate at the far post but a tackle denied the chance.

The hosts' chances were limited and with every passed without scoring, it felt that Twente might pay the price. Yet, it would be the Blues ruing their poor finishing. A pass back reached the captain who moved to her strong foot and struck into the net.

Late Equalizer

Chelsea kept pushing. They haven't delivered exciting performances this term yet they've secured results and in the Netherlands they extended that trend. A foul on Guro Reiten earned the away side a penalty, though they could have had one earlier when a late boot caught a player. Baltimore converted to tie the game.

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