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The Champions League remains the Blues' elusive prize. They crave it deeply. Yet, their credentials took a hit on Dutch soil, a 1-1 draw versus the hosts far from the perfect beginning to a tournament they aim to dominate.

Despite their control of the ball, the home side that struck first, through captain Danique van Ginkel, prior to Sandy Baltimore converted from the spot to level the scores.

Home Success Yet Continental 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, defeat to Barcelona in the 2020-21 final the closest they got. Three straight last-four losses to Barcelona, featuring an 8-2 aggregate loss the previous campaign, have stung each time.

Squad Rotation Proves Costly

The manager flexed her squad's depth ahead of the visit to the Netherlands, featuring just four starters from the previous match on the pitch, but it proved costly as they began their Champions League campaign under a new format – the group stage replaced by expanded stage akin to the men's tournament.

The two sides met during the previous group stage, as Chelsea handing out a heavy overall loss to the Eredivisie winners. Van Ginkel stated they would appear somewhat different after a year. “I trust we've grown a bit and can address what we did wrong,” she added.

Twente's Maturity On Display

On home turf that growth was evident, the hosts avoided to compete with Chelsea's press or engage individually, they were a cohesive team, irritating the visitors who sent repeated attacks toward the goal.

The home side celebrate their captain after her opening goal.

However, Twente had the top chance of the half. Leonie Vliek had room following a smart exchange with a teammate, but instead of aiming for goal she passed to their leading striker who was denied by the defense.

Chelsea showed spirit yet missing cohesion, the changes taking a toll, particularly in the final third. Maika Hamano ought to have scored from a cutback but blasted high from close range in a key moment, and the goalkeeper made key saves.

After the Break Drama

In the second half, a new signing scored a goal, turning in a low cross, yet the assistant was raised, the passer having been in an illegal position.

The coach turned to the substitutes to try to alter the dynamics soon after. Two players made way, including one with a concussion, for fresh legs and a former Twente player.

Missed Chances

The home side created another golden chance to go ahead right around the hour mark. After regaining the ball in attack, a driven pass found a player in the box but a tackle denied the chance.

Their opportunities were limited and with every missed without scoring, it felt like the home side might pay the price. However, it would be the Blues ruing their poor finishing. A cutback reached the captain and she shifted onto her right foot and fired into the net.

Leveling Penalty

The Blues continued pressing. They haven't delivered exciting displays this season but they have secured results and away from home they extended that trend. A foul on a player gave the visitors a spot-kick, although they might have had one earlier from a high foot hit a teammate. Baltimore converted to make it even.

A victory escaped them, yet they possess opportunities to recover against upcoming opponents before facing familiar foes and former champions.