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The Champions League remains the Blues' 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 to a tournament they hope to dominate.

Despite their dominance of the ball, the home side who took the lead, through captain Danique van Ginkel, before Sandy Baltimore scored from the penalty mark for the equaliser.

Domestic Dominance Yet Continental Heartbreak

Each piece of silverware holds value, but for the team which has consistently won it all, the longing for the missing trophy is powerful. It eluded them during Emma Hayes’ tenure, defeat to Barcelona in the championship match the closest they got. Three straight last-four losses to Barcelona, including a heavy combined loss last season, have hurt on every occasion.

Squad Rotation Proves Costly

The coach flexed the team's strength for the trip to Enschede, featuring just four starters from the previous match in the lineup, yet it turned out expensive as they started their Champions League campaign under a new format – the group stage replaced by expanded stage similar to the male competition.

The two sides faced off in last season's group stage, as Chelsea handing out a heavy overall loss to the Eredivisie winners. The captain remarked they'd look a bit changed after a year. “I trust we've matured a bit and can fix our past mistakes,” she added.

Home Side's Growth Evident

At their stadium that maturity showed, Twente didn't attempt to compete with the Blues' pressure or battle individually, they were an efficient unit, irritating the visitors who sent wave after wave at the home team.

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

However, the hosts created the top chance of the half. Leonie Vliek had room after a neat exchange with a teammate, yet rather of aiming for goal she squared to their top scorer who was denied by a defender.

Chelsea showed spirit but a lack of cohesion, the rotations taking a toll, especially in the final third. Maika Hamano should have done better with a chance but fired over from the spot in a key moment, and the goalkeeper helped keep Twente in it.

Second Half Drama

In the second half, a new signing found the net, slotting home a low cross, but the flag was raised, the passer having been offside.

The manager turned to the substitutes in an attempt to change the game soon after. Two starters made way, including one with a head injury, for fresh legs and an ex- Twente player.

Wasted Opportunities

The home side created a clear opportunity to take the lead right around the hour mark. Having won the ball in attack, a low cross found a player at the far post but a tackle prevented the goal.

Their opportunities were scarce and as each missed without scoring, it seemed that Twente might pay the price. However, it would be the Blues ruing their poor finishing. A cutback reached the captain and she shifted to her strong foot and struck into the net.

Late Equalizer

Chelsea kept pushing. They haven't delivered exciting performances this term yet they've secured results and away from home they continued that pattern. A challenge on Guro Reiten earned the away side a spot-kick, though they could have had one earlier from a high foot hit a teammate. Baltimore scored to make it even.

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