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The Champions League continues to be Chelsea's elusive prize. They crave it intensely. However, their credentials suffered in the Netherlands, a stalemate against Twente far from the ideal start to a tournament they hope to dominate.

In spite of their dominance in possession, the home side who took the lead, through captain Danique van Ginkel, before Sandy Baltimore converted from the penalty mark to level the scores.

Domestic Dominance Yet Continental Heartbreak

Every trophy is precious, yet for the team which has repeatedly won it all, the longing for the final piece is powerful. It eluded them under Emma Hayes’ reign, loss against Barcelona in the 2020-21 final the closest they came. Three consecutive semi-final defeats against the Catalan side, featuring a heavy combined loss last season, have hurt each time.

Squad Rotation Proves Costly

The manager flexed the team's strength ahead of the visit to Enschede, with only four players from the last game on the pitch, yet it turned out costly as they started their Champions League campaign under a new format – the initial phase now a expanded stage akin to the men's tournament.

The two sides faced off in last season's group stage, with the Blues handing out a 9-2 aggregate defeat to the Eredivisie winners. The captain remarked they'd look somewhat different after a year. “I trust we've matured a bit and can fix what we did wrong,” she said.

Twente's Maturity Evident

On home turf that maturity was evident, the hosts avoided to compete with Chelsea's press or engage individually, they proved an efficient unit, frustrating the Blues who sent repeated attacks toward the goal.

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

Yet, Twente had the best opportunity of the half. A player found space after a neat one-two with a teammate, but instead of aiming for goal she passed to their leading striker who was denied by the defense.

There was energy but a lack of teamwork, the rotations taking a toll, especially in the final third. Maika Hamano ought to have scored from a cutback but fired over from close range in a key moment, while the keeper helped keep Twente in it.

After the Break Drama

In the second half, a new signing scored a goal, turning in a low cross, yet the assistant went up, the provider deemed in an illegal position.

The manager turned to her bench to try to alter the dynamics soon after. Two players made way, one due to a concussion, for fresh legs and an ex- hosts' star.

Missed Chances

Twente had another golden chance to take the lead just before the 60-minute point. Having won possession in attack, a low cross found a player at the far post yet a challenge denied the chance.

The hosts' chances were scarce and as each passed without scoring, it seemed like the home side might pay the price. Yet, it would be the Blues ruing their wastefulness. A cutback found Van Ginkel and she shifted to her strong foot and struck into the net.

Late Equalizer

Chelsea kept pushing. They haven't delivered exciting displays this season but they have earned points and in the Netherlands they extended that trend. A foul on Guro Reiten earned the away side a spot-kick, although they might have had one earlier when a late boot caught a player. Baltimore converted to tie the game.

A winner escaped them, yet they possess chances to bounce back in future matches ahead of meeting familiar foes and title winners.