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The Champions League remains Chelsea's elusive prize. They crave it deeply. Yet, their title hopes took a hit in the Netherlands, a stalemate against Twente not at all the ideal start in a competition they hope to dominate.

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

Domestic Dominance But European Heartbreak

Every trophy is precious, yet for the squad which has repeatedly won it all, the longing for the missing trophy is intense. It eluded them during Emma Hayes’ reign, loss against Barcelona in the 2020-21 final the closest they came. Three consecutive last-four losses against the Catalan side, featuring an 8-2 aggregate defeat the previous campaign, have stung each time.

Team Changes Proves Costly

The coach flexed the team's strength ahead of the visit to Enschede, featuring just four players from the last game in the lineup, but it proved expensive as they started their European journey under a new format – the initial phase replaced by league phase akin to the male competition.

The two sides met in last season's opening round, with the Blues inflicting a heavy overall loss to the Eredivisie winners. The captain stated they'd look a bit changed one year on. “I hope we've matured somewhat and can fix what we did wrong,” she added.

Twente's Maturity Evident

At their stadium that maturity showed, Twente didn't attempt to compete with the Blues' pressure or engage one-on-one, they proved a cohesive team, frustrating the Blues who launched repeated attacks at the home team.

The home side gather around Danique van Ginkel following the first strike.

Yet, the hosts created the top chance in the first period. Leonie Vliek found space following a smart exchange with Jill Roord, but instead of shooting she squared for the team's leading striker who was denied by a defender.

Chelsea showed spirit but a lack of teamwork, the rotations having an impact, especially in the final third. Maika Hamano should have done better with a chance but blasted high from close range in their best effort, while the keeper helped keep Twente in it.

Second Half Drama

In the second half, a recent addition scored a goal, slotting home a driven ball, but the flag went up, the passer deemed offside.

The coach turned to her bench to try to change the game shortly later. Two players were replaced, one due to a concussion, for fresh legs and an ex- hosts' star.

Missed Chances

Twente had another golden chance to take the lead just before the 60-minute point. Having won the ball in attack, a low cross reached a teammate in the box but a tackle denied the chance.

The hosts' chances were scarce and with every missed without a goal, it felt that Twente would be punished. However, it was Chelsea regretting their wastefulness. A pass back found Van Ginkel and she shifted to her strong foot and struck into the net.

Leveling Penalty

Chelsea kept pushing. They haven't produced thrilling performances this season yet they've earned points and in the Netherlands they continued that trend. A challenge on a player gave the visitors a penalty, though they could have earned one earlier when a late boot hit a teammate. Baltimore scored to make it even.

A victory eluded them, yet they possess chances to recover against upcoming opponents before facing old rivals and former champions.