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Europe's premier competition remains Chelsea's hard-to-catch prize. They desire it deeply. However, their title hopes suffered on Dutch soil, a 1-1 draw against Twente not at all the perfect beginning to a tournament they aim to dominate.

Despite their dominance of the ball, the home side that struck first, via skipper Danique van Ginkel, before Sandy Baltimore scored from the penalty mark for the equaliser.

Domestic Dominance But European Disappointment

Every trophy holds value, yet for the squad that has repeatedly triumphed domestically, the yearning for the missing trophy is powerful. It eluded them during Emma Hayes’ tenure, loss against Barcelona in the championship match the closest they came. Three straight last-four losses against the Catalan side, featuring an 8-2 aggregate defeat last season, have hurt each time.

Team Changes Takes Its Toll

The coach flexed her squad's depth ahead of the visit to Enschede, featuring just four players from the last game on the pitch, but it proved costly as they began their European journey in a new era – the initial phase replaced by expanded stage similar to the men's tournament.

The two sides met during the previous opening round, with the Blues handing out a heavy overall 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 our past mistakes,” she said.

Home Side's Growth On Display

At their stadium that growth showed, Twente didn't attempt to match the Blues' pressure or battle individually, they were a cohesive team, irritating the visitors who launched repeated attacks at the home team.

The home side gather around their captain after her first strike.

Yet, Twente had the best opportunity of the half. A player found space following a smart one-two with a teammate, but instead of aiming for goal she squared to their top scorer who was denied by the defense.

Chelsea showed spirit but a lack of cohesion, the changes taking a toll, particularly in attack. A forward should have done better with a chance but fired over from close range in a key moment, while the keeper made key saves.

Second Half Drama

After halftime, a recent addition scored a goal, slotting home a driven ball, but the flag was raised, the passer having been offside.

The manager looked to her bench in an attempt to change the game shortly later. Two starters made way, including one with a concussion, for fresh legs and a former hosts' star.

Wasted Opportunities

Twente had a clear opportunity to go ahead right around the hour mark. Having won the ball in the Chelsea third, a driven pass reached a teammate in the box yet a challenge prevented the goal.

Their opportunities were scarce and as each missed without a goal, it seemed that Twente might pay the price. However, it would be the Blues ruing their poor finishing. A cutback reached the captain and she shifted onto her right foot and struck into the net.

Leveling Penalty

The Blues continued pressing. They have not delivered exciting performances this term yet they've secured results and in the Netherlands they continued that pattern. A challenge on Guro Reiten earned the away side a penalty, although they might have earned one earlier when a late boot caught a player. Baltimore scored to tie the game.

A victory eluded them, but they have opportunities to recover against upcoming opponents before facing old rivals and former champions.