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Europe's premier competition remains Chelsea's elusive prize. They desire it deeply. However, their title hopes suffered on Dutch soil, a 1-1 draw against Twente far from the perfect beginning in a competition they aim to dominate.

In spite of their control of the ball, the home side that struck first, through captain Danique van Ginkel, prior to Sandy Baltimore converted from the penalty mark for the equaliser.

Home Success Yet Continental Disappointment

Each piece of silverware is precious, yet for the squad which has consistently triumphed domestically, the longing for the missing trophy is powerful. It eluded them under Emma Hayes’ reign, loss against Barcelona in the 2020-21 final the closest they got. Three consecutive last-four losses against the Catalan side, including an 8-2 aggregate loss the previous campaign, have hurt each time.

Squad Rotation Proves Costly

The manager flexed her squad's depth ahead of the visit to the Netherlands, with only four players from the last game on the pitch, yet it turned out expensive as they began their Champions League campaign under a new format – the group stage replaced by league phase akin to the men's tournament.

These two teams met during the previous group stage, as Chelsea inflicting a heavy overall loss to the Eredivisie winners. Van Ginkel stated they'd look somewhat different after a year. “I hope we've grown a bit and can fix our past mistakes,” she said.

Home Side's Growth On Display

On home turf that maturity was evident, the hosts avoided to match Chelsea's press or engage individually, they were a cohesive team, frustrating the visitors who sent wave after wave toward the goal.

Twente's players gather around Danique van Ginkel after her opening goal.

However, Twente had the best opportunity of the half. Leonie Vliek found space after a neat one-two with Jill Roord, yet rather of aiming for goal she squared to their top scorer who was denied by a defender.

There was energy yet missing cohesion, the changes taking a toll, especially in attack. Maika Hamano ought to have scored from a cutback but blasted high from the spot in their best effort, and the goalkeeper helped keep Twente in it.

Second Half Action

After halftime, a new signing scored a goal, slotting home a driven ball, but the flag was raised, the passer having been in an illegal position.

The manager turned to the substitutes in an attempt to change the game soon after. Two players were replaced, one due to a head injury, for new energy and an ex- Twente player.

Wasted Opportunities

Twente had a clear opportunity to go ahead just before the 60-minute point. After regaining the ball in the Chelsea third, a low cross found a player at the far post yet a challenge denied the chance.

Their opportunities were limited and as each passed without a goal, it felt that Twente would be punished. However, it would be the Blues ruing their wastefulness. A pass back found Van Ginkel who moved onto her right foot and struck past the goalkeeper.

Late Equalizer

The Blues continued pressing. They have not produced thrilling performances this season yet they've earned points and in the Netherlands they extended that trend. A challenge on Guro Reiten gave the visitors a spot-kick, although they might have earned one earlier from a high foot hit a teammate. Baltimore converted to make it even.

A victory escaped them, yet they possess opportunities to bounce back in future matches before facing old rivals and title winners.