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Europe's premier competition continues to be the Blues' hard-to-catch trophy. They crave it intensely. However, their credentials took a hit in the Netherlands, a stalemate against Twente far from the ideal start to a tournament they hope to conquer.

In spite of their control in possession, the home side who took the lead, via skipper Danique van Ginkel, before Sandy Baltimore converted from the penalty mark for the equaliser.

Domestic Dominance Yet Continental Heartbreak

Each piece of silverware holds value, yet for the team that has consistently won it all, the yearning for the final piece is powerful. It eluded them during Emma Hayes’ tenure, defeat to Barcelona in the 2020-21 final the nearest they got. Three straight semi-final defeats against the Catalan side, including an 8-2 aggregate loss last season, have hurt each time.

Squad Rotation Proves Costly

The coach showcased her squad's depth for the trip to Enschede, featuring just four starters from the last game on the pitch, but it proved costly as they started their Champions League campaign under a new format – the initial phase replaced by league phase similar to the male competition.

The two sides met during the previous opening round, as Chelsea handing out a heavy overall loss to the Eredivisie winners. The captain remarked they'd look a bit changed one year on. “I hope we've grown somewhat and can address what we did wrong,” she added.

Twente's Maturity Evident

On home turf that maturity was evident, Twente didn't attempt to match the Blues' pressure or engage one-on-one, they proved an efficient unit, irritating the Blues who launched wave after wave at the home team.

The home side celebrate Danique van Ginkel after her first strike.

Yet, the hosts created the best opportunity of the half. A player had room after a neat one-two with Jill Roord, but instead of aiming for goal she passed for the team's leading striker who was denied by the defense.

Chelsea showed spirit yet missing teamwork, the changes taking a toll, especially in the final third. A forward should have done better from a cutback but fired over from the spot in a key moment, while the keeper made key saves.

After the Break Action

After halftime, a new signing found the net, slotting home a driven ball, but the flag went up, the provider having been offside.

The manager looked to her bench to try to alter the dynamics soon after. Two starters made way, one due to a concussion, for fresh legs and an ex- Twente player.

Missed Chances

The home side created a clear opportunity to go ahead just before the 60-minute point. Having won the ball in the Chelsea third, a low cross found a player at the far post but a tackle denied the chance.

Their opportunities were limited and as each missed without a goal, it seemed like the home side might pay the price. However, it would be the Blues ruing their wastefulness. A pass back reached the captain and she shifted to her strong foot and fired past the goalkeeper.

Late Equalizer

The Blues kept pushing. They haven't delivered exciting performances this term but they have earned points and away from home they extended that pattern. A foul on Guro Reiten earned the away side a penalty, though they could have had one earlier when a late boot hit a teammate. Baltimore converted to tie the game.

A winner escaped them, but they have chances to bounce back against upcoming opponents ahead of meeting old rivals and former champions.