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Europe's premier competition remains the Blues' hard-to-catch prize. They desire it intensely. Yet, their title hopes took a hit on Dutch soil, a 1-1 draw 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 that struck first, through captain Danique van Ginkel, prior to Sandy Baltimore converted from the penalty mark for the equaliser.

Domestic Dominance Yet Continental Heartbreak

Every trophy is precious, but for the team which has repeatedly won it all, the yearning for the final piece is powerful. It eluded them under Emma Hayes’ tenure, defeat to Barcelona in the 2020-21 final the closest they got. Three consecutive semi-final defeats against the Catalan side, featuring an 8-2 aggregate loss last season, have stung on every occasion.

Team Changes Proves Costly

The manager showcased her squad's depth for the trip to the Netherlands, featuring just four players from the previous match on the pitch, but it proved expensive as they began their Champions League campaign under a new format – the group stage now a expanded stage similar to the men's tournament.

These two teams faced off during the previous opening round, as Chelsea inflicting a 9-2 aggregate loss to the Eredivisie winners. The captain remarked they would appear a bit changed one year on. “I trust we've matured somewhat and can address what we did wrong,” she added.

Twente's Maturity On Display

At their stadium that maturity showed, the hosts avoided to compete with the Blues' pressure or engage individually, they were an efficient unit, frustrating the visitors who launched wave after wave toward the goal.

Twente's players celebrate Danique van Ginkel after her first strike.

However, Twente had the best opportunity in the first period. Leonie Vliek found space after a neat exchange with Jill Roord, yet rather of shooting she passed to their top scorer but the effort was cleared by a defender.

There was energy but a lack of cohesion, the changes having an impact, especially in attack. A forward should have done better from a cutback but fired over from the spot in a key moment, while the keeper helped keep Twente in it.

Second Half Action

After halftime, a new signing scored a goal, turning in a low cross, but the flag went up, the provider deemed offside.

The coach looked to the substitutes to try to alter the dynamics soon after. Two starters made way, including one with a head injury, for fresh legs and a former Twente player.

Wasted Opportunities

The home side created another golden chance to go ahead just before the 60-minute point. Having won the ball in the Chelsea third, a driven pass found a player at the far post yet a challenge denied the chance.

The hosts' chances were scarce and as each missed without a goal, it felt that Twente would be punished. However, it was Chelsea regretting their wastefulness. A pass back reached the captain and she shifted to her strong foot and struck into the net.

Late Equalizer

Chelsea kept pushing. They haven't produced thrilling displays this season but they have secured results and away from home they extended that pattern. A challenge on Guro Reiten earned the away side a spot-kick, though they could have earned one sooner from a high foot hit a teammate. Baltimore scored to tie the game.

A winner eluded them, yet they possess chances to bounce back in future matches before facing old rivals and former champions.