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The Champions League continues to be Chelsea's hard-to-catch prize. They desire it deeply. Yet, their title hopes took a hit on Dutch soil, a 1-1 draw against Twente far from the perfect beginning to a tournament they aim to conquer.

Despite their dominance of the ball, it was who took the lead, via skipper Danique van Ginkel, before Sandy Baltimore scored from the penalty mark to level the scores.

Domestic Dominance But European Disappointment

Every trophy holds value, yet for the squad that has repeatedly won it all, the yearning for the final piece is powerful. It escaped them during Emma Hayes’ tenure, defeat to Barcelona in the 2020-21 final the closest they came. Three consecutive semi-final defeats against the Catalan side, including a heavy combined loss the previous campaign, have hurt on every occasion.

Squad Rotation Takes Its Toll

The manager flexed the team's strength ahead of the visit to the Netherlands, featuring just four players from the previous match on the pitch, but it proved expensive as they started their Champions League campaign in a new era – the initial phase now a expanded stage similar to the men's tournament.

These two teams faced off during the previous group stage, as Chelsea handing out a heavy overall defeat on the Dutch champions. The captain stated they would appear a bit changed after a year. “I trust we've matured a bit and can address our past mistakes,” she said.

Twente's Maturity Evident

On home turf that growth showed, Twente didn't attempt to match Chelsea's press or engage individually, they were a cohesive team, irritating the Blues who launched repeated attacks at the home team.

Twente's players celebrate their captain after her first strike.

However, the hosts created the best opportunity in the first period. A player had room following a smart exchange with a teammate, but instead of shooting she squared for the team's top scorer who was denied by a defender.

Chelsea showed spirit yet missing teamwork, the changes having an impact, especially in the final third. Maika Hamano should have done better with a chance but blasted high from the spot in a key moment, and the goalkeeper made key saves.

After the Break Drama

After halftime, a new signing scored a goal, turning in a low cross, yet the assistant went up, the provider having been in an illegal position.

The coach turned to the substitutes to try to change the game soon after. Two players made way, one due to a head injury, for new energy and an ex- Twente player.

Missed Chances

Twente had a clear opportunity to go ahead right around the hour mark. After regaining the ball in attack, a low cross reached a teammate at the far post yet a challenge denied the chance.

The hosts' chances were scarce and with every passed without a goal, it seemed like the home side might pay the price. However, it was Chelsea regretting their wastefulness. A cutback reached the captain and she shifted to her strong foot and fired past the goalkeeper.

Late Equalizer

The Blues continued pressing. They haven't delivered exciting performances this term but they have earned points and away from home they extended that pattern. A foul on Guro Reiten earned the away side a penalty, though they could have earned one earlier from a high foot hit a teammate. Baltimore scored to tie the game.

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