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The Champions League continues to be Chelsea's hard-to-catch trophy. They crave it deeply. However, their credentials suffered on Dutch soil, a stalemate versus the hosts far from the perfect beginning in a competition they hope to conquer.

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

Home Success But European Disappointment

Each piece of silverware is precious, but for the squad that has repeatedly triumphed domestically, the yearning for the missing trophy is powerful. It escaped them during Emma Hayes’ reign, defeat to Barcelona in the 2020-21 final the nearest they got. Three consecutive semi-final defeats to Barcelona, featuring an 8-2 aggregate defeat last season, have stung each time.

Squad Rotation Proves Costly

The manager flexed the team's strength ahead of the visit to the Netherlands, with only four starters from the previous match in the lineup, yet it turned out expensive as they started their European journey 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 opening round, with the Blues handing out a heavy overall loss to the Eredivisie winners. Van Ginkel stated they'd look a bit changed one year on. “I hope we've grown a bit and can fix our past mistakes,” she said.

Twente's Maturity Evident

At their stadium that growth was evident, Twente didn't attempt to match the Blues' pressure or battle individually, they proved a cohesive team, frustrating the Blues who launched wave after wave toward the goal.

Twente's players celebrate their captain following the opening goal.

Yet, the hosts created the top chance in the first period. Leonie Vliek had room after a neat one-two with Jill Roord, yet rather of aiming for goal she squared for the team's top scorer but the effort was cleared by the defense.

Chelsea showed spirit yet missing cohesion, the rotations taking a toll, especially in attack. A forward ought to have scored with a chance but fired over from the spot in their best effort, while the keeper helped keep Twente in it.

Second Half Action

After halftime, a new signing found the net, turning in a low cross, but the flag was raised, the passer deemed in an illegal position.

The coach looked to her bench to try to change the game shortly later. Two players were replaced, including one with a head injury, for fresh legs and a former hosts' star.

Wasted Opportunities

Twente had another golden chance to go ahead just before the hour mark. After regaining the ball in attack, a driven pass found a player at the far post yet a challenge denied the chance.

The hosts' chances were scarce and as each passed without a goal, it felt that Twente would be punished. However, it was the Blues ruing their wastefulness. A cutback reached the captain and she shifted to her strong foot and fired past the goalkeeper.

Leveling Penalty

Chelsea kept pushing. They haven't produced thrilling displays this season but they have earned points and away from home they continued that pattern. A foul on Guro Reiten gave the visitors a penalty, although they might have earned one earlier from a high foot caught a player. Baltimore scored to make it even.

A victory escaped them, but they have chances to bounce back in future matches before facing familiar foes and former champions.