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Europe's premier competition continues to be Chelsea's elusive prize. They desire it deeply. Yet, their credentials took a hit in the Netherlands, a stalemate against Twente far from the ideal start to a tournament they hope to conquer.

Despite their control of the ball, it was who took the lead, through captain Danique van Ginkel, before Sandy Baltimore scored from the penalty mark to level the scores.

Home Success Yet Continental Heartbreak

Every trophy is precious, but for the squad which has repeatedly won it all, the longing for the final piece is powerful. It escaped them during Emma Hayes’ tenure, loss against Barcelona in the 2020-21 final the nearest they got. Three consecutive last-four losses to Barcelona, including an 8-2 aggregate loss the previous campaign, 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 last game on the pitch, but it proved expensive as they began their European journey under a new format – the group stage now a expanded stage akin to the men's tournament.

The two sides met in last season's opening round, with the Blues handing out a heavy overall loss on the Dutch champions. The captain stated they would appear somewhat different after a year. “I hope we've matured a bit and can address what we did wrong,” she added.

Home Side's Growth Evident

At their stadium that maturity was evident, the hosts avoided to compete with the Blues' pressure or battle one-on-one, they were an efficient unit, frustrating the visitors who sent repeated attacks toward the goal.

Twente's players gather around their captain after her opening goal.

However, Twente had 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 for the team's leading striker but the effort was cleared by a defender.

Chelsea showed spirit yet missing cohesion, the rotations having an impact, particularly in the final third. A forward ought to have scored with a chance but blasted high from the spot in their best effort, and the goalkeeper helped keep Twente in it.

Second Half Drama

After halftime, a recent addition found the net, slotting home a low cross, yet the assistant was raised, the passer deemed offside.

The coach turned to her bench to try to alter the dynamics shortly later. Two players made way, including one with a concussion, for new energy and an ex- Twente player.

Wasted Opportunities

The home side created a clear opportunity to go ahead just before the hour mark. After regaining possession in attack, a driven pass found a player at the far post but a tackle denied the chance.

The hosts' chances were scarce and with every missed without a goal, it seemed that Twente might pay the price. However, it would be the Blues ruing their wastefulness. A pass back found Van Ginkel and she shifted onto her right foot and fired past the goalkeeper.

Leveling Penalty

Chelsea continued pressing. They have not delivered exciting displays this term but they have secured results and away from home they continued that trend. A foul on Guro Reiten earned the away side a penalty, although they might have earned one earlier when a late boot hit a teammate. Baltimore scored to make it even.

A winner eluded them, but they have opportunities to recover in future matches ahead of meeting familiar foes and title winners.