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The Champions League remains Chelsea's elusive trophy. They desire it intensely. Yet, their title hopes suffered in the Netherlands, a 1-1 draw against Twente far from the ideal start in a competition they hope to dominate.

Despite their control of the ball, it was that struck first, via skipper Danique van Ginkel, prior to Sandy Baltimore converted from the spot to level the scores.

Home Success Yet Continental Disappointment

Each piece of silverware is precious, but for the team which has consistently triumphed domestically, the yearning for the final piece is intense. It escaped them under Emma Hayes’ tenure, defeat to Barcelona in the 2020-21 final the nearest they got. Three consecutive semi-final defeats against the Catalan side, featuring an 8-2 aggregate defeat the previous campaign, have hurt each time.

Squad Rotation Proves Costly

The coach flexed her squad's depth ahead of the visit to Enschede, featuring just four starters from the last game in the lineup, yet it turned out expensive as they began their Champions League campaign under a new format – the group stage now a league phase akin to the male competition.

The two sides faced off in last season's opening round, as Chelsea inflicting a heavy overall loss to the Eredivisie winners. The captain remarked they would appear a bit changed one year on. “I trust we've matured a bit and can fix what we did wrong,” she added.

Twente's Maturity On Display

At their stadium that maturity was evident, Twente didn't attempt to match the Blues' pressure or battle individually, they proved a cohesive team, irritating the visitors who sent wave after wave at the home team.

The home side celebrate Danique van Ginkel after her opening goal.

Yet, the hosts created the best opportunity of the half. Leonie Vliek had room after a neat one-two with a teammate, but instead of aiming for goal she passed to their leading striker but the effort was cleared by a defender.

Chelsea showed spirit but a lack of teamwork, the changes taking a toll, particularly in attack. A forward ought to have scored from a cutback but fired over from the spot in their best effort, and the goalkeeper made key saves.

Second Half Action

In the second half, a recent addition found the net, turning in a low cross, but the flag went up, the passer having been offside.

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

Wasted Opportunities

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

The hosts' chances were scarce and with every missed without a goal, it felt that Twente might pay the price. However, it was the Blues ruing their wastefulness. A pass back reached the captain and she shifted onto her right foot and struck into the net.

Leveling Penalty

The Blues continued pressing. They have not delivered exciting displays this term but they have earned points and in the Netherlands they continued that pattern. A foul on Guro Reiten gave the visitors a penalty, though they could have had one earlier from a high foot hit a teammate. Baltimore converted to tie the game.

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