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Europe's premier competition remains the Blues' hard-to-catch trophy. They crave it deeply. However, their title hopes suffered on Dutch soil, a stalemate against Twente not at all the ideal start in a competition they hope to conquer.

In spite of their control in possession, the home side who took the lead, through captain Danique van Ginkel, prior to Sandy Baltimore scored from the spot to level the scores.

Home Success But European Disappointment

Every trophy is precious, but for the team that has repeatedly won it all, the longing for the final piece is powerful. It escaped them under Emma Hayes’ reign, loss against Barcelona in the 2020-21 final the nearest they came. Three consecutive last-four losses against the Catalan side, featuring a heavy combined defeat the previous campaign, have hurt each time.

Squad Rotation Proves Costly

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, but it proved expensive as they started their Champions League campaign in a new era – the initial phase replaced by expanded stage akin to the male competition.

The two sides faced off in last season's group stage, with the Blues inflicting a heavy overall loss on the Dutch champions. The captain stated they would appear somewhat different after a year. “I hope we've matured somewhat and can fix our past mistakes,” she added.

Home Side's Growth Evident

At their stadium that maturity showed, the hosts avoided to compete with Chelsea's press or battle individually, they were an efficient unit, irritating the visitors who launched repeated attacks toward the goal.

The home side celebrate Danique van Ginkel following the opening goal.

Yet, Twente had the top chance of the half. Leonie Vliek found space following a smart one-two with Jill Roord, yet rather of aiming for goal she squared to their leading striker but the effort was cleared by a defender.

Chelsea showed spirit yet missing teamwork, the changes taking a toll, particularly in the final third. Maika Hamano should have done better with a chance but blasted high from close range in their best effort, and the goalkeeper helped keep Twente in it.

After the Break Action

After halftime, a recent addition found the net, slotting home a low cross, yet the assistant went up, the provider having been in an illegal position.

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 an ex- Twente player.

Wasted Opportunities

Twente had a clear opportunity to go ahead just before the 60-minute point. Having won possession in the Chelsea third, a driven pass reached a teammate at the far post yet a challenge denied the chance.

Their opportunities were scarce and as each missed without scoring, it seemed like the home side might pay the price. However, it was Chelsea regretting their wastefulness. A cutback found Van Ginkel and she shifted onto her right foot and fired into the net.

Leveling Penalty

Chelsea continued pressing. They haven't delivered exciting performances this term yet they've earned points and in the Netherlands they extended that trend. A challenge on Guro Reiten earned the away side a spot-kick, though they could have earned one earlier when a late boot caught a player. Baltimore converted to make it even.

A victory escaped them, but they have chances to bounce back against upcoming opponents ahead of meeting familiar foes and former champions.