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The Champions League continues to be Chelsea's hard-to-catch trophy. They crave it deeply. However, their title hopes took a hit in the Netherlands, a stalemate versus the hosts far from the perfect beginning to a tournament they aim to conquer.

In spite of their control of the ball, the home side who took the lead, through captain Danique van Ginkel, prior to Sandy Baltimore converted from the penalty mark to level the scores.

Domestic Dominance But European Disappointment

Every trophy is precious, yet for the team that has repeatedly won it all, the longing for the final piece is intense. It eluded them during Emma Hayes’ reign, loss against Barcelona in the 2020-21 final the closest they got. Three straight semi-final defeats against the Catalan side, including a heavy combined defeat the previous campaign, have stung on every occasion.

Squad Rotation Takes Its Toll

The coach flexed the team's strength for the trip to the Netherlands, with only four starters from the previous match on the pitch, yet it turned out costly as they began their Champions League campaign in a new era – the group stage replaced by league phase similar to the men's tournament.

These two teams faced off in last season's opening round, with the Blues inflicting a heavy overall loss to the Eredivisie winners. The captain remarked they'd look somewhat different one year on. “I hope we've matured somewhat and can address what we did wrong,” she added.

Home Side's Growth On Display

On home turf that growth showed, Twente didn't attempt to match Chelsea's press or battle one-on-one, they proved a cohesive team, irritating the visitors who launched wave after wave toward the goal.

Twente's players gather around their captain after her opening goal.

However, the hosts created the best opportunity of the half. A player found space after a neat one-two with a teammate, but instead of shooting she passed for the team's leading striker but the effort was cleared by the defense.

Chelsea showed spirit but a lack of cohesion, the changes having an impact, particularly in attack. A forward ought to have scored with a chance but fired over from the spot in their best effort, and the goalkeeper made key saves.

Second Half Action

After halftime, a recent addition found the net, slotting home a low cross, but the flag was raised, the passer deemed in an illegal position.

The coach looked to the substitutes to try to change the game soon after. Two players made way, including one with a head injury, for fresh legs and an ex- hosts' star.

Missed Chances

Twente had another golden chance to take the lead right around the 60-minute point. After regaining possession in attack, a driven pass reached a teammate at the far post yet a challenge prevented the goal.

Their opportunities were scarce and as each missed without a goal, it felt that Twente would be punished. Yet, it would be Chelsea regretting their poor finishing. A cutback found Van Ginkel and she shifted to her strong foot and struck into the net.

Leveling Penalty

The Blues kept pushing. They have not produced thrilling displays this term yet they've earned points and in the Netherlands they continued that trend. A foul on Guro Reiten earned the away side a penalty, although they might have earned one sooner from a high foot hit a teammate. Baltimore scored to tie the game.

A victory escaped them, yet they possess chances to recover against upcoming opponents before facing old rivals and former champions.