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The Champions League remains the Blues' hard-to-catch prize. They crave it deeply. Yet, their title hopes suffered in the Netherlands, a 1-1 draw versus the hosts not at all the ideal start in a competition they hope to dominate.

Despite their dominance in possession, it was that struck first, through captain Danique van Ginkel, prior to Sandy Baltimore converted from the spot to level the scores.

Home Success But European Heartbreak

Each piece of silverware holds value, but for the squad that has consistently won it all, the yearning for the missing trophy is intense. It escaped them during Emma Hayes’ tenure, loss against Barcelona in the 2020-21 final the nearest they came. Three consecutive last-four losses against the Catalan side, including an 8-2 aggregate loss the previous campaign, have stung on every occasion.

Team Changes Proves Costly

The coach showcased the team's strength for the trip to the Netherlands, featuring just four starters from the last game in the lineup, but it proved expensive as they began their Champions League campaign under a new format – the initial phase now a expanded stage similar to the men's tournament.

These two teams faced off during the previous opening round, as Chelsea inflicting a 9-2 aggregate loss on the Dutch champions. Van Ginkel stated they would appear somewhat different one year on. “I trust we've grown a bit and can address our past mistakes,” she said.

Home Side's Growth On Display

On home turf that maturity was evident, Twente didn't attempt to compete with the Blues' pressure or battle one-on-one, they proved a cohesive team, irritating the visitors who sent wave after wave at the home team.

Twente's players gather around Danique van Ginkel following the opening goal.

However, the hosts created the best opportunity in the first period. A player found space following a smart exchange 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 yet missing teamwork, the rotations taking a toll, especially in attack. A forward should have done better with a chance but fired over from the spot in a key moment, while the keeper made key saves.

After the Break Drama

In the second half, a new signing found the net, slotting home a low cross, but the flag went up, the passer deemed offside.

The manager looked to her bench in an attempt to change the game soon after. Two starters made way, one due to a head injury, for fresh legs and a former hosts' star.

Missed Chances

Twente had another golden chance to go ahead just before the 60-minute point. Having won the ball in the Chelsea third, a low cross reached a teammate in the box yet a challenge denied the chance.

Their opportunities were limited and as each passed without a goal, it seemed that Twente would be punished. However, it was Chelsea regretting their wastefulness. A pass back reached the captain and she shifted onto her right foot and fired into the net.

Late Equalizer

Chelsea continued pressing. They have not delivered exciting performances this term but they have earned points and away from home they extended that pattern. A challenge on Guro Reiten gave the visitors a penalty, though they could have had one sooner from a high foot hit a teammate. Baltimore scored to tie the game.

A victory eluded them, yet they possess chances to recover in future matches before facing old rivals and title winners.