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Europe's premier competition remains Chelsea's elusive prize. They crave it intensely. Yet, their credentials took a hit on Dutch soil, a 1-1 draw against Twente not at all 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 converted from the penalty mark to level the scores.

Home Success But European Heartbreak

Every trophy is precious, yet for the squad that has consistently won it all, the longing for the missing trophy is intense. It eluded them under Emma Hayes’ tenure, loss against Barcelona in the 2020-21 final the closest they came. Three straight last-four losses to Barcelona, including an 8-2 aggregate defeat the previous campaign, have stung on every occasion.

Squad Rotation Takes Its Toll

The manager showcased the team's strength ahead of the visit to Enschede, featuring just four starters from the previous match in the lineup, but it proved costly as they started their Champions League campaign in a new era – the group stage now a league phase akin to the male competition.

These two teams met during the previous opening round, with the Blues inflicting a heavy overall defeat to the Eredivisie winners. The captain remarked they'd look somewhat different after a year. “I trust we've matured somewhat and can address what we did wrong,” she added.

Home Side's Growth Evident

On home turf that growth showed, the hosts avoided to compete with Chelsea's press or engage one-on-one, they proved an efficient unit, frustrating the visitors who launched repeated attacks toward the goal.

The home side celebrate their captain following the first strike.

Yet, the hosts created the top chance in the first period. A player found space following a smart exchange with a teammate, but instead of aiming for goal she passed to their top scorer who was denied by a defender.

Chelsea showed spirit yet missing teamwork, the changes taking a toll, particularly in the final third. A forward ought to have scored with a chance but fired over from close range in a key moment, while the keeper helped keep Twente in it.

After the Break Action

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

The coach looked to her bench to try to alter the dynamics soon after. Two players made way, one due to a head injury, for new energy and a former Twente player.

Wasted Opportunities

Twente had a clear opportunity to take the lead just before the hour mark. Having won the ball in the Chelsea third, a low cross found a player in the box yet a challenge prevented the goal.

Their opportunities were scarce and with every passed without scoring, it felt that Twente would be punished. However, it would be the Blues ruing their wastefulness. A cutback reached the captain who moved onto her right foot and fired past the goalkeeper.

Leveling Penalty

Chelsea continued pressing. They haven't produced thrilling performances this term yet they've earned points and in the Netherlands they extended that pattern. A challenge on a player earned the away side a penalty, though they could have had one sooner from a high foot caught a player. Baltimore scored to tie the game.

A victory escaped them, yet they possess chances to recover in future matches before facing old rivals and title winners.