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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 1-1 draw against Twente not at all the ideal start in a competition they hope to conquer.

In spite of their control of the ball, the home side who took the lead, via skipper Danique van Ginkel, before Sandy Baltimore converted from the penalty mark to level the scores.

Domestic Dominance But European Heartbreak

Each piece of silverware holds value, but for the team which has consistently triumphed domestically, the yearning for the missing trophy is powerful. It eluded them during Emma Hayes’ tenure, loss against Barcelona in the championship match the closest they got. Three straight last-four losses to Barcelona, including a heavy combined loss last season, have hurt on every occasion.

Squad Rotation Takes Its Toll

The coach flexed the team's strength ahead of the visit to the Netherlands, with only four starters from the last game on the pitch, yet it turned out expensive as they started their European journey under a new format – the group stage now a expanded stage akin to the men's tournament.

The two sides met in last season's opening round, with the Blues handing out a 9-2 aggregate loss to the Eredivisie winners. Van Ginkel stated they'd look a bit changed one year on. “I trust we've matured a bit and can fix what we did wrong,” she said.

Twente's Maturity On Display

On home turf that maturity showed, the hosts avoided to compete with the Blues' pressure or engage individually, they proved an efficient unit, irritating the Blues who sent wave after wave at the home team.

Twente's players celebrate their captain after her opening goal.

Yet, the hosts created the top chance of the half. A player had room after a neat exchange with a teammate, yet rather of aiming for goal she squared to their top scorer who was denied by the defense.

There was energy but a lack of cohesion, the changes having an impact, especially in attack. Maika Hamano ought to have scored from a cutback but fired over from close range in a key moment, and the goalkeeper helped keep Twente in it.

After the Break Action

After halftime, a new signing scored a goal, slotting home a driven ball, but the flag was raised, the passer deemed offside.

The coach turned to her bench in an attempt to change the game shortly later. Two starters made way, one due to a concussion, for fresh legs and an ex- Twente player.

Wasted Opportunities

Twente had a clear opportunity to go ahead just before the 60-minute point. Having won the ball in attack, a low cross reached a teammate at the far post but a tackle denied the chance.

The hosts' chances were scarce and with every missed without scoring, it felt that Twente might pay the price. However, it would be the Blues ruing their poor finishing. A pass back found Van Ginkel who moved to her strong foot and fired into the net.

Leveling Penalty

Chelsea kept pushing. They have not produced thrilling displays this term but they have earned points and away from home they extended that pattern. A challenge on a player 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, but they have chances to bounce back against upcoming opponents before facing old rivals and title winners.