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The Champions League remains the Blues' elusive prize. They desire it deeply. Yet, their credentials took a hit in the Netherlands, a stalemate against Twente not at all the ideal start to a tournament they aim to conquer.

Despite their dominance in possession, 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 holds value, yet for the team which has repeatedly won it all, the yearning for the final piece is intense. It escaped them under Emma Hayes’ tenure, defeat to Barcelona in the 2020-21 final the closest they got. Three straight semi-final defeats against the Catalan side, featuring a heavy combined defeat last season, have hurt each time.

Team Changes Proves Costly

The manager showcased the team's strength ahead of the visit to the Netherlands, with only four players from the previous match in the lineup, yet it turned out expensive as they started their European journey in a new era – the group stage now a expanded stage similar to the male competition.

The two sides faced off in last season's opening round, with the Blues handing out a 9-2 aggregate loss to the Eredivisie winners. The captain remarked they'd look somewhat different after a year. “I hope we've matured a bit and can fix what we did wrong,” she said.

Twente's Maturity Evident

On home turf that growth was evident, the hosts avoided to compete with the Blues' pressure or battle individually, they were an efficient unit, irritating the Blues who launched wave after wave toward the goal.

Twente's players gather around their captain after her first strike.

However, Twente had the top chance in the first period. A player had room following a smart one-two with Jill Roord, but instead of aiming for goal she squared for the team's leading striker who was denied by a defender.

Chelsea showed spirit but a lack of teamwork, the rotations having an impact, especially in attack. A forward ought to have scored from a cutback but fired over from the spot in a key moment, while the keeper made key saves.

After the Break Drama

After halftime, a recent addition found the net, slotting home a low cross, but the flag was raised, the passer having been offside.

The manager turned to her bench in an attempt to change the game soon after. Two starters were replaced, one due to a concussion, for new energy and an ex- hosts' star.

Wasted Opportunities

The home side created another golden chance to take the lead just before the hour mark. After regaining the ball in attack, 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 felt that Twente would be punished. Yet, it was the Blues ruing their poor finishing. A pass back reached the captain and she shifted onto her right foot and fired into the net.

Late Equalizer

The Blues kept pushing. They haven't delivered exciting displays this season but they have earned points and in the Netherlands they extended that pattern. A foul on a player gave the visitors a spot-kick, though they could have earned one sooner from a high foot caught a player. Baltimore scored to make it even.

A victory eluded them, but they have opportunities to recover in future matches before facing old rivals and former champions.