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The Champions League remains Chelsea's elusive prize. They crave it intensely. However, their title hopes suffered on Dutch soil, a stalemate against Twente far from the ideal start to a tournament they aim to dominate.

Despite their dominance of the ball, it was that struck first, through captain Danique van Ginkel, prior to Sandy Baltimore scored from the penalty mark to level the scores.

Domestic Dominance Yet Continental Disappointment

Every trophy is precious, but for the squad that has consistently triumphed domestically, the longing for the final piece is powerful. It escaped them during Emma Hayes’ tenure, defeat to Barcelona in the championship match the nearest they came. Three consecutive last-four losses to Barcelona, featuring an 8-2 aggregate defeat last season, have hurt on every occasion.

Team Changes Takes Its Toll

The manager showcased her squad's depth ahead of the visit to Enschede, with only four starters from the last game in the lineup, yet it turned out expensive as they started their Champions League campaign in a new era – the initial phase now a expanded stage akin to the male competition.

These two teams faced off during the previous group stage, as Chelsea handing out a 9-2 aggregate loss to the Eredivisie winners. The captain remarked they'd look somewhat different after a year. “I hope we've matured a bit and can fix what we did wrong,” she said.

Twente's Maturity Evident

At their stadium that maturity was evident, Twente didn't attempt to match the Blues' pressure or engage individually, they were an efficient unit, irritating the Blues who launched repeated attacks at the home team.

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

However, the hosts created the best opportunity in the first period. A player found space following a smart one-two with Jill Roord, but instead of shooting she passed to their leading striker but the effort was cleared by the defense.

There was energy yet missing teamwork, the rotations taking a toll, especially in the final third. A forward ought to have scored with a chance but blasted high from close range in their best effort, while the keeper made key saves.

After the Break Drama

After halftime, a recent addition scored a goal, turning in a driven ball, yet the assistant was raised, the provider having been offside.

The coach turned to her bench to try to alter the dynamics shortly later. Two players were replaced, one due to a head injury, for new energy and an ex- Twente player.

Missed Chances

Twente had a clear opportunity to go ahead just before the hour mark. After regaining possession in attack, a low cross found a player at the far post yet a challenge denied the chance.

The hosts' chances were limited and as each missed without scoring, it seemed like the home side would be punished. However, it was the Blues ruing their wastefulness. A pass back reached the captain and she shifted onto her right foot and fired past the goalkeeper.

Leveling Penalty

The Blues kept pushing. They have not produced thrilling displays this season yet they've secured results and in the Netherlands they continued that trend. A challenge on a player gave the visitors a spot-kick, though they could have had one sooner when a late boot hit a teammate. Baltimore converted to tie the game.

A winner eluded them, but they have opportunities to bounce back against upcoming opponents before facing old rivals and title winners.