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The Champions League continues to be Chelsea's hard-to-catch trophy. They desire it deeply. Yet, their title hopes suffered in the Netherlands, a 1-1 draw against Twente far from the ideal start to a tournament they aim to conquer.

Despite their control in possession, the home side that struck first, through captain Danique van Ginkel, before Sandy Baltimore converted from the penalty mark to level the scores.

Home Success Yet Continental Disappointment

Every trophy is precious, but for the squad which has repeatedly triumphed domestically, the longing for the final piece is powerful. It escaped them during Emma Hayes’ tenure, loss against Barcelona in the championship match the nearest they came. Three straight semi-final defeats to Barcelona, including an 8-2 aggregate loss last season, have hurt on every occasion.

Squad Rotation Takes Its Toll

The manager showcased the team's strength ahead of the visit to Enschede, with only four players from the previous match on the pitch, yet it turned out expensive as they started their European journey under a new format – the group stage replaced by expanded stage similar to the men's tournament.

The two sides faced off during the previous group stage, as Chelsea inflicting a heavy overall defeat to the Eredivisie winners. The captain stated they'd look a bit changed one year on. “I hope we've matured a bit and can address our past mistakes,” she added.

Twente's Maturity Evident

At their stadium that maturity showed, Twente didn't attempt to compete with the Blues' pressure or engage individually, they were a cohesive team, irritating the Blues who sent repeated attacks at the home team.

Twente's players gather around Danique van Ginkel after her first strike.

However, Twente had the top chance of the half. A player had room following a smart one-two with a teammate, yet rather of shooting she passed for the team's top scorer who was denied by the defense.

Chelsea showed spirit but a lack of cohesion, the changes having an impact, especially in attack. A forward should have done better with a chance but fired over from the spot in their best effort, while the keeper helped keep Twente in it.

After the Break Action

After halftime, a new signing found the net, slotting home a low cross, but the flag went up, the provider deemed in an illegal position.

The coach turned to her bench to try to change the game soon after. Two players were replaced, including one with a head injury, for fresh legs and a former hosts' star.

Wasted Opportunities

Twente had another golden chance to go ahead right around the hour mark. After regaining the ball in the Chelsea third, a low cross found a player in the box yet a challenge prevented the goal.

Their opportunities were limited and with every missed without scoring, it felt that Twente would be punished. Yet, it would be the Blues ruing their poor finishing. A pass back reached the captain and she shifted to her strong foot and fired into the net.

Late Equalizer

Chelsea kept pushing. They haven't delivered exciting performances this term but they have secured results and away from home they continued that pattern. A foul on Guro Reiten earned the away side a penalty, although they might have had one earlier when a late boot hit a teammate. Baltimore scored to tie the game.

A winner escaped them, yet they possess opportunities to recover in future matches ahead of meeting familiar foes and title winners.