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The Champions League remains Chelsea's hard-to-catch trophy. They desire it deeply. However, their credentials 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 dominance in possession, the home side who took the lead, via skipper Danique van Ginkel, prior to Sandy Baltimore converted from the spot to level the scores.

Home Success But European Disappointment

Each piece of silverware holds value, yet for the squad that has repeatedly triumphed domestically, the longing for the final piece is intense. It escaped them during Emma Hayes’ reign, loss against Barcelona in the 2020-21 final the closest they came. Three straight semi-final defeats against the Catalan side, featuring an 8-2 aggregate loss the previous campaign, have stung on every occasion.

Squad Rotation Takes Its Toll

The manager flexed her squad's depth for the trip to the Netherlands, with only four players from the last game on the pitch, yet it turned out costly as they started their European journey under a new format – the group stage replaced by league phase similar to the men's tournament.

These two teams faced off during the previous opening round, as Chelsea handing out a heavy overall loss on the Dutch champions. The captain remarked they'd look a bit changed one year on. “I hope we've matured a bit and can fix what we did wrong,” she added.

Home Side's Growth On Display

At their stadium that maturity showed, the hosts avoided to match the Blues' pressure or engage individually, they proved a cohesive team, frustrating the visitors who launched repeated attacks at the home team.

The home side gather around their captain following the opening goal.

Yet, the hosts created the top chance of the half. A player had room following a smart exchange with Jill Roord, but instead of aiming for goal she passed for the team's top scorer but the effort was cleared by the defense.

Chelsea showed spirit but a lack of cohesion, the changes taking a toll, particularly in attack. Maika Hamano should have done better with a chance but fired over from the spot in a key moment, and the goalkeeper made key saves.

After the Break Drama

After halftime, a recent addition found the net, slotting home a driven ball, but the flag went up, the passer deemed in an illegal position.

The manager looked to the substitutes in an attempt to change the game shortly later. Two starters were replaced, one due to a concussion, for new energy and an ex- hosts' star.

Wasted Opportunities

Twente had a clear opportunity to take the lead right around the 60-minute point. Having won possession in the Chelsea third, a driven pass reached a teammate in the box but a tackle prevented the goal.

Their opportunities were scarce and as each passed without a goal, it felt that Twente would be punished. However, it was Chelsea regretting their poor finishing. A pass back found Van Ginkel who moved to her strong foot and fired into the net.

Late Equalizer

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

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