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Europe's premier competition continues to be Chelsea's hard-to-catch prize. They crave it deeply. However, their title hopes suffered in the Netherlands, a 1-1 draw versus the hosts far from the ideal start in a competition they aim to dominate.

Despite their control of the ball, it was that struck first, via skipper Danique van Ginkel, before Sandy Baltimore scored from the spot for the equaliser.

Domestic Dominance But European Heartbreak

Every trophy is precious, yet for the team that has repeatedly won it all, the yearning for the final piece is intense. It eluded them under Emma Hayes’ tenure, loss against Barcelona in the 2020-21 final the closest they came. Three straight semi-final defeats to Barcelona, including an 8-2 aggregate loss last season, have hurt each time.

Team Changes Takes Its Toll

The coach flexed the team's strength for the trip to the Netherlands, featuring just four starters from the last game in the lineup, yet it turned out expensive as they began their Champions League campaign under a new format – the initial phase replaced by expanded stage akin to the male competition.

These two teams met during the previous opening round, as Chelsea inflicting a heavy overall defeat on the Dutch champions. Van Ginkel remarked they'd look a bit changed one year on. “I hope we've matured a bit and can address what we did wrong,” she added.

Twente's Maturity Evident

On home turf that growth showed, Twente didn't attempt to compete with Chelsea's press or engage one-on-one, they proved an efficient unit, irritating the Blues who launched repeated attacks at the home team.

Twente's players gather around their captain following the first strike.

However, Twente had the top chance of the half. A player had room after a neat one-two with Jill Roord, yet rather of shooting she squared for the team's top scorer who was denied by a defender.

There was energy but a lack of teamwork, the rotations having an impact, particularly in the final third. Maika Hamano ought to have scored from a cutback but blasted high from close range in their best effort, while the keeper made key saves.

Second Half Drama

In the second half, a new signing found the net, slotting home a driven ball, but the flag went up, the provider having been in an illegal position.

The coach looked to the substitutes to try to alter the dynamics soon after. Two players made way, including one with a concussion, for fresh legs and an ex- Twente player.

Wasted Opportunities

Twente had a clear opportunity to go ahead right around the hour mark. Having won possession in the Chelsea third, a driven pass found a player in the box yet a challenge denied the chance.

The hosts' chances were scarce and with every passed without scoring, it felt like the home side might pay the price. However, it would be Chelsea regretting their wastefulness. A pass back reached the captain who moved onto her right foot and struck into the net.

Late Equalizer

Chelsea continued pressing. They have not produced thrilling displays this term yet they've secured results and in the Netherlands they extended that trend. A challenge on a player earned the away side a penalty, though they could have earned one earlier from a high foot caught a player. Baltimore converted to tie the game.

A victory escaped them, yet they possess chances to bounce back against upcoming opponents before facing old rivals and title winners.