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The Champions League continues to be Chelsea's hard-to-catch prize. They crave it intensely. However, their credentials suffered on Dutch soil, a stalemate against Twente far from the ideal start to a tournament they hope to dominate.

Despite their control of the ball, 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 holds value, but for the squad that has consistently won it all, the longing for the missing trophy is powerful. It escaped them under Emma Hayes’ tenure, defeat to Barcelona in the 2020-21 final the closest they came. Three consecutive last-four losses to Barcelona, including an 8-2 aggregate defeat the previous campaign, have hurt on every occasion.

Team Changes Proves Costly

The coach flexed her squad's depth for the trip to the Netherlands, with only four starters from the last game on the pitch, yet it turned out costly as they began their European journey in a new era – the initial phase now a expanded stage akin to the men's tournament.

The two sides faced off in last season's group stage, as Chelsea inflicting a heavy overall loss to the Eredivisie winners. The captain stated they would appear a bit changed one year on. “I trust we've grown somewhat and can address our past mistakes,” she added.

Home Side's Growth Evident

On home turf that growth showed, Twente didn't attempt to match the Blues' pressure or engage individually, they were an efficient unit, frustrating the visitors who sent repeated attacks toward the goal.

Twente's players celebrate Danique van Ginkel after her first strike.

Yet, Twente had the top chance in the first period. A player found space following a smart exchange with a teammate, yet rather of shooting 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 the final third. A forward ought to have scored with a chance but fired over from close range in a key moment, and the goalkeeper made key saves.

Second Half Action

After halftime, a new signing scored a goal, slotting home a driven ball, but the flag went up, the provider having been offside.

The manager turned to the substitutes to try to change the game soon after. Two starters were replaced, including one with a head injury, for fresh legs and a former hosts' star.

Wasted Opportunities

The home side created another golden chance to go ahead just before the 60-minute point. Having won possession in attack, a low cross reached a teammate at the far post but a tackle denied the chance.

Their opportunities were scarce and as each missed without scoring, it felt that Twente might pay the price. Yet, it was Chelsea regretting their poor finishing. A cutback reached the captain and she shifted to her strong foot and fired past the goalkeeper.

Leveling Penalty

Chelsea kept pushing. They have not delivered exciting performances this season but they have secured results and in the Netherlands they continued that trend. A challenge on a player 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 eluded them, yet they possess chances to bounce back against upcoming opponents ahead of meeting old rivals and former champions.