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Europe's premier competition remains the Blues' elusive prize. They crave it intensely. However, their title hopes suffered on Dutch soil, a 1-1 draw versus the hosts 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 scored from the penalty mark for the equaliser.

Home Success But European Heartbreak

Every trophy is precious, but for the squad that has consistently triumphed domestically, the yearning for the missing trophy is intense. It eluded them under Emma Hayes’ tenure, defeat to Barcelona in the 2020-21 final the closest they got. Three consecutive last-four losses against the Catalan side, including a heavy combined defeat last season, have stung each time.

Squad Rotation Proves Costly

The coach flexed her squad's depth for the trip to Enschede, with only four starters from the last game in the lineup, but it proved expensive as they began their Champions League campaign under a new format – the initial phase now a league phase similar to the men's tournament.

These two teams met in last season's opening round, as Chelsea handing out a heavy overall defeat on the Dutch champions. Van Ginkel remarked they would appear a bit changed after a year. “I hope we've grown a bit and can fix our past mistakes,” she added.

Home Side's Growth On Display

At their stadium that maturity was evident, the hosts avoided to compete with Chelsea's press or engage one-on-one, they were an efficient unit, frustrating the Blues who sent repeated attacks at the home team.

Twente's players celebrate Danique van Ginkel following the first strike.

However, Twente had the best opportunity of the half. A player had room following a smart exchange with a teammate, yet rather of aiming for goal she passed to their top scorer who was denied by the defense.

Chelsea showed spirit yet missing cohesion, the changes having an impact, especially in the final third. Maika Hamano should have done better from a cutback but fired over from the spot in a key moment, and the goalkeeper made key saves.

After the Break Action

In the second half, a new signing found the net, turning in a driven ball, yet the assistant was raised, the provider deemed offside.

The manager turned to her bench to try to change the game soon after. Two players were replaced, one due to a concussion, for new energy and an ex- Twente player.

Wasted Opportunities

Twente had another golden chance to go ahead just before the 60-minute point. Having won possession in the Chelsea third, a low cross reached a teammate at the far post but a tackle prevented the goal.

The hosts' chances were scarce and as each passed without scoring, it felt like the home side might pay the price. However, it was the Blues ruing their poor finishing. A cutback found Van Ginkel who moved onto her right foot and struck past the goalkeeper.

Late Equalizer

Chelsea kept pushing. They have not produced thrilling performances this season but they have earned points and away from home they extended that trend. A challenge on Guro Reiten gave the visitors a spot-kick, although they might have had one earlier from a high foot caught a player. Baltimore scored to tie the game.

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