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The Champions League remains Chelsea's hard-to-catch prize. They crave it intensely. Yet, their credentials took a hit on Dutch soil, a stalemate versus the hosts not at all the perfect beginning to a tournament they aim to dominate.

In spite of their control of the ball, it was that struck first, through captain Danique van Ginkel, before Sandy Baltimore scored from the penalty mark for the equaliser.

Home Success But European Disappointment

Every trophy holds value, but for the squad which has repeatedly won it all, the longing for the final piece is powerful. It escaped them under Emma Hayes’ tenure, loss against Barcelona in the 2020-21 final the nearest they got. Three straight semi-final defeats to Barcelona, featuring an 8-2 aggregate defeat the previous campaign, have stung each time.

Team Changes Takes Its Toll

The coach showcased the team's strength for the trip to the Netherlands, featuring just four starters from the last game on the pitch, yet it turned out costly as they started their Champions League campaign in a new era – the initial phase replaced by expanded stage akin to the male competition.

The two sides faced off during the previous opening round, as Chelsea inflicting a 9-2 aggregate defeat on the Dutch champions. The captain remarked they would appear somewhat different one year on. “I trust we've matured a bit and can address what we did wrong,” she said.

Home Side's Growth On Display

On home turf that growth showed, Twente didn't attempt to match Chelsea's press or battle individually, they proved an efficient unit, frustrating the Blues who sent wave after wave toward the goal.

The home side gather around Danique van Ginkel following the first strike.

Yet, Twente had the best opportunity in the first period. A player found space following a smart one-two with a teammate, yet rather of shooting she squared to their leading striker who was denied by a defender.

Chelsea showed spirit yet missing cohesion, the changes having an impact, particularly in the final third. A forward should have done better with a chance but fired over from the spot in their best effort, and the goalkeeper made key saves.

After the Break Drama

In the second half, a recent addition found the net, turning in a driven ball, yet the assistant was raised, the provider having been offside.

The coach looked to the substitutes in an attempt to alter the dynamics soon after. Two starters were replaced, including one with a head injury, for new energy and a former hosts' star.

Missed Chances

The home side created another golden chance to go ahead just before the hour mark. Having won the ball in the Chelsea third, a driven pass reached a teammate at the far post yet a challenge prevented the goal.

Their opportunities were limited and with every passed without scoring, it seemed that Twente might pay the price. Yet, it was the Blues ruing their poor finishing. A pass back found Van Ginkel and she shifted onto her right foot and fired past the goalkeeper.

Late Equalizer

The Blues continued pressing. They haven't produced thrilling displays this term but they have earned points and in the Netherlands they extended that trend. A challenge on Guro Reiten earned the away side a spot-kick, though they could have earned one earlier from a high foot hit a teammate. Baltimore scored to tie the game.

A winner eluded them, yet they possess chances to bounce back against upcoming opponents before facing familiar foes and title winners.