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Europe's premier competition remains Chelsea's elusive prize. They desire it intensely. Yet, their credentials took a hit in the Netherlands, a stalemate versus the hosts far from the ideal start to a tournament they aim to conquer.

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

Home Success Yet Continental Heartbreak

Each piece of silverware is precious, yet for the team that has repeatedly triumphed domestically, the longing for the missing trophy is powerful. It escaped them during Emma Hayes’ reign, defeat to Barcelona in the 2020-21 final the closest they got. Three straight semi-final defeats against the Catalan side, including a heavy combined defeat the previous campaign, have stung each time.

Team Changes Proves Costly

The coach flexed the team's strength ahead of the visit to the Netherlands, with only four players from the previous match on the pitch, but it proved costly as they began their Champions League campaign under a new format – the group stage now a expanded stage akin to the male competition.

These two teams faced off during the previous group stage, with the Blues handing out a heavy overall loss on the Dutch champions. The captain stated they'd look somewhat different one year on. “I trust we've grown somewhat and can fix what we did wrong,” she added.

Home Side's Growth Evident

On home turf that maturity was evident, the hosts avoided to match the Blues' pressure or engage individually, they were a cohesive team, frustrating the Blues who sent wave after wave at the home team.

The home side celebrate Danique van Ginkel following the first strike.

Yet, Twente had 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 passed to their leading striker who was denied by a defender.

Chelsea showed spirit yet missing teamwork, the rotations taking a toll, particularly in the final third. Maika Hamano ought to have scored from a cutback but blasted high from close range in their best effort, and the goalkeeper made key saves.

After the Break Action

After halftime, a recent addition found the net, turning in a low cross, yet the assistant was raised, the passer deemed offside.

The manager looked to her bench to try to change the game soon after. Two starters were replaced, one due to a concussion, for fresh legs and a former hosts' star.

Wasted Opportunities

The home side created another golden chance to go ahead just before the hour mark. After regaining possession in attack, a driven pass found a player at the far post yet a challenge prevented the goal.

The hosts' chances were scarce and with every passed without a goal, it seemed like the home side would be punished. Yet, it would be the Blues ruing their poor finishing. A pass back found Van Ginkel who moved onto her right foot and fired past the goalkeeper.

Leveling Penalty

The Blues continued pressing. They haven't produced thrilling displays this term yet they've earned points and in the Netherlands they extended that trend. A challenge on a player earned the away side a spot-kick, though they could have earned one earlier from a high foot hit a teammate. Baltimore scored to tie the game.

A victory eluded them, but they have opportunities to recover in future matches ahead of meeting familiar foes and title winners.