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The Champions League continues to be the Blues' hard-to-catch trophy. They crave it intensely. Yet, their credentials took a hit on Dutch soil, a 1-1 draw versus the hosts not at all the perfect beginning in a competition they hope to dominate.

Despite their dominance of the ball, the home side that struck first, through captain Danique van Ginkel, prior to Sandy Baltimore converted from the penalty mark for the equaliser.

Domestic Dominance But European Disappointment

Each piece of silverware holds value, but for the team that has repeatedly triumphed domestically, the yearning for the missing trophy is powerful. It eluded them under Emma Hayes’ reign, defeat to Barcelona in the 2020-21 final the closest they got. Three consecutive semi-final defeats against the Catalan side, including a heavy combined defeat the previous campaign, have hurt each time.

Team Changes Takes Its Toll

The coach showcased the team's strength for the trip to the Netherlands, featuring just four players from the last game in the lineup, yet it turned out costly as they started their European journey under a new format – the group stage now a league phase similar to the male competition.

These two teams met during the previous group stage, as Chelsea inflicting a heavy overall defeat to the Eredivisie winners. Van Ginkel stated they'd look somewhat different after a year. “I trust we've grown a bit and can address what we did wrong,” she said.

Twente's Maturity On Display

On home turf that maturity showed, Twente didn't attempt to match Chelsea's press or engage individually, they proved an efficient unit, irritating the visitors who launched wave after wave at the home team.

Twente's players celebrate their captain following the first strike.

However, the hosts created the best opportunity in the first period. A player found space after a neat exchange with Jill Roord, but instead of aiming for goal she passed for the team's top scorer who was denied by the defense.

Chelsea showed spirit yet missing cohesion, the rotations having an impact, especially in attack. A forward ought to have scored with a chance but blasted high from the spot in their best effort, and the goalkeeper helped keep Twente in it.

Second Half Action

After halftime, a recent addition found the net, slotting home a driven ball, but the flag went up, the passer having been in an illegal position.

The manager turned to her bench in an attempt to change the game soon after. Two players made way, including one with a concussion, for fresh legs and an ex- Twente player.

Missed Chances

The home side created another golden chance to go ahead right around the hour mark. Having won possession in attack, a low cross found a player in the box but a tackle denied the chance.

Their opportunities were limited and with every passed without a goal, it seemed like the home side would be punished. Yet, it was the Blues ruing their wastefulness. A pass back found Van Ginkel and she shifted to her strong foot and fired past the goalkeeper.

Late Equalizer

The Blues kept pushing. They have not delivered exciting displays this season yet they've earned points and away from home they continued that trend. A challenge on Guro Reiten earned the away side a penalty, although they might have earned one earlier when a late boot hit a teammate. Baltimore scored to make it even.

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