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The Champions League continues to be the Blues' hard-to-catch trophy. They crave it deeply. However, their credentials took a hit in the Netherlands, a 1-1 draw against Twente not at all the ideal start to a tournament they aim to conquer.

In spite of their control of the ball, the home side that struck first, via skipper Danique van Ginkel, before Sandy Baltimore converted from the spot for the equaliser.

Domestic Dominance Yet Continental Disappointment

Every trophy is precious, but for the squad that has consistently won it all, the yearning for the missing trophy is powerful. It eluded them during Emma Hayes’ reign, defeat to Barcelona in the championship match the nearest they came. Three consecutive last-four losses against the Catalan side, including a heavy combined loss last season, have hurt on every occasion.

Team Changes Takes Its Toll

The coach flexed the team's strength ahead of the visit to the Netherlands, with only four players from the previous match in the lineup, but it proved costly as they started their European journey in a new era – the initial phase replaced by expanded stage similar to the male competition.

These two teams met during the previous opening round, with the Blues inflicting a 9-2 aggregate loss on the Dutch champions. The captain stated they would appear somewhat different one year on. “I trust we've grown somewhat and can fix our past mistakes,” she added.

Home Side's Growth On Display

On home turf that growth showed, the hosts avoided to compete with Chelsea's press or engage individually, they were a cohesive team, frustrating the Blues who sent wave after wave toward the goal.

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

Yet, Twente had the top chance in the first period. Leonie Vliek found space after a neat exchange with a teammate, but instead of aiming for goal she squared for the team's top scorer who was denied by a defender.

There was energy yet missing teamwork, the rotations having an impact, especially in the final third. Maika Hamano should have done better with a chance but fired over from the spot in their best effort, while the keeper made key saves.

After the Break Drama

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

The coach looked to her bench to try to alter the dynamics shortly later. Two starters made way, including one with a head injury, for fresh legs and an ex- hosts' star.

Wasted Opportunities

Twente had another golden chance to take the lead right around the 60-minute point. After regaining possession in the Chelsea third, a driven pass found a player in the box yet a challenge denied the chance.

Their opportunities were scarce and with every passed without a goal, it felt that Twente might pay the price. Yet, it would be Chelsea regretting their poor finishing. A cutback reached the captain and she shifted onto her right foot and struck past the goalkeeper.

Late Equalizer

Chelsea kept pushing. They have not produced thrilling performances this season yet they've earned points and in the Netherlands they continued that pattern. A foul on Guro Reiten earned the away side a penalty, though they could have earned one sooner when a late boot caught a player. Baltimore scored to make it even.

A victory eluded them, yet they possess chances to recover against upcoming opponents ahead of meeting old rivals and former champions.