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Europe's premier competition remains 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 not at all the ideal start to a tournament they aim to conquer.

In spite of their control in possession, it was who took the lead, via skipper Danique van Ginkel, before Sandy Baltimore converted from the penalty mark for the equaliser.

Home Success Yet Continental Heartbreak

Every trophy is precious, yet for the team which has consistently triumphed domestically, the yearning for the missing trophy is powerful. It eluded them under Emma Hayes’ tenure, defeat to Barcelona in the 2020-21 final the closest they got. Three straight semi-final defeats to Barcelona, including an 8-2 aggregate defeat the previous campaign, have hurt on every occasion.

Team Changes Proves Costly

The manager showcased her squad's depth ahead of the visit to Enschede, with only four starters from the last game on the pitch, yet it turned out costly as they began their European journey under a new format – the group stage replaced by expanded stage akin to the men's tournament.

These two teams met in last season's group stage, as Chelsea inflicting a 9-2 aggregate defeat on the Dutch champions. The captain stated they'd look somewhat different one year on. “I trust we've grown a bit and can address what we did wrong,” she said.

Twente's Maturity On Display

At their stadium that maturity showed, Twente didn't attempt to match the Blues' pressure or battle one-on-one, they proved a cohesive team, irritating the visitors who sent wave after wave toward the goal.

Twente's players celebrate their captain following the opening goal.

Yet, Twente had the top chance of the half. A player found space following a smart exchange with a teammate, but instead of aiming for goal she passed to their leading striker who was denied by the defense.

Chelsea showed spirit yet missing cohesion, the rotations having an impact, particularly in attack. Maika Hamano should have done better from a cutback but fired over from close range in their best effort, and the goalkeeper helped keep Twente in it.

After the Break Action

After halftime, a recent addition scored a goal, turning in a low cross, but the flag went up, the passer having been offside.

The manager looked to her bench in an attempt to change the game shortly later. Two players were replaced, one due to a head injury, for fresh legs and a former Twente player.

Missed Chances

Twente had another golden chance to go ahead just before the hour mark. Having won the ball in the Chelsea third, a low cross reached a teammate in the box yet a challenge prevented the goal.

Their opportunities were scarce and with every passed without a goal, it seemed like the home side might pay the price. Yet, it was the Blues ruing their wastefulness. A cutback found Van Ginkel who moved onto her right foot and fired into the net.

Leveling Penalty

The Blues kept pushing. They have not delivered exciting displays this season but they have earned points and in the Netherlands they extended that trend. A challenge on a player gave the visitors a penalty, although they might have earned one sooner from a high foot caught a player. Baltimore converted to make it even.

A victory escaped them, yet they possess opportunities to recover against upcoming opponents ahead of meeting old rivals and title winners.