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The Champions League remains Chelsea's elusive trophy. They crave it intensely. Yet, their title hopes suffered on Dutch soil, a stalemate against Twente far from the perfect beginning to a tournament they aim to conquer.

In spite of their dominance in possession, the home side who took the lead, via skipper Danique van Ginkel, before Sandy Baltimore scored from the spot to level the scores.

Home Success But European Disappointment

Every trophy holds value, yet for the team which has repeatedly triumphed domestically, the yearning for the final piece is intense. It escaped them under Emma Hayes’ reign, defeat to Barcelona in the 2020-21 final the closest they came. Three straight last-four losses against the Catalan side, featuring an 8-2 aggregate loss last season, have hurt each time.

Team Changes Takes Its Toll

The manager showcased her squad's depth ahead of the visit to the Netherlands, with only four starters from the previous match in the lineup, but it proved expensive as they began their Champions League campaign under a new format – the group stage now a league phase akin to the men's tournament.

These two teams faced off in last season's group stage, with the Blues handing out a heavy overall defeat to the Eredivisie winners. The captain stated they would appear somewhat different one year on. “I trust we've grown 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 match the Blues' pressure or battle one-on-one, they were a cohesive team, irritating the Blues who launched repeated attacks toward the goal.

The home side celebrate their captain after her first strike.

However, Twente had the best opportunity in the first period. A player had room following a smart one-two with a teammate, but instead of aiming for goal she squared for the team's leading striker but the effort was cleared by a defender.

Chelsea showed spirit yet missing cohesion, the rotations taking a toll, particularly in attack. Maika Hamano ought to have scored with a chance but fired over from the spot in their best effort, while the keeper made key saves.

After the Break Drama

In the second half, a new signing scored a goal, slotting home a driven ball, yet the assistant was raised, the passer deemed in an illegal position.

The manager turned to the substitutes in an attempt to change the game soon after. Two starters made way, including one with a concussion, for fresh legs and an ex- hosts' star.

Wasted Opportunities

Twente had another golden chance to go ahead right around the hour mark. After regaining possession in attack, a driven pass found a player at the far post yet a challenge prevented the goal.

Their opportunities were limited and as each passed without scoring, it seemed that Twente would be punished. However, it was the Blues ruing their wastefulness. A cutback reached the captain who moved onto her right foot and struck past the goalkeeper.

Leveling Penalty

The Blues kept pushing. They haven't produced thrilling displays this season yet they've earned points and away from home they extended that trend. A challenge on Guro Reiten earned the away side a penalty, although they might have had one earlier from a high foot caught a player. Baltimore converted to tie the game.

A winner eluded them, yet they possess opportunities to recover against upcoming opponents before facing old rivals and title winners.