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Europe's premier competition remains Chelsea's elusive trophy. They crave it intensely. Yet, their credentials took a hit in the Netherlands, a stalemate against Twente far from the ideal start in a competition they hope to dominate.

Despite their control in possession, the home side who took the lead, through captain Danique van Ginkel, prior to Sandy Baltimore scored from the penalty mark for the equaliser.

Domestic Dominance But European Heartbreak

Each piece of silverware is precious, yet for the squad that has repeatedly won it all, the yearning for the final piece is powerful. It eluded them under Emma Hayes’ reign, loss against Barcelona in the 2020-21 final the nearest they got. Three consecutive last-four losses to Barcelona, including an 8-2 aggregate loss the previous campaign, have hurt each time.

Team Changes Proves Costly

The coach flexed the team's strength ahead of the visit to Enschede, featuring just four starters from the previous match in the lineup, but it proved expensive as they started their European journey under a new format – the initial phase now a league phase akin to the men's tournament.

These two teams met during the previous group stage, as Chelsea handing out a heavy overall defeat on the Dutch champions. Van Ginkel remarked they'd look a bit changed one year on. “I trust we've grown somewhat and can address what we did wrong,” she said.

Home Side's Growth Evident

At their stadium that maturity showed, the hosts avoided to compete with the Blues' pressure or battle one-on-one, they were a cohesive team, frustrating the Blues who sent wave after wave toward the goal.

Twente's players gather around Danique van Ginkel following the first strike.

However, Twente had the best opportunity of the half. Leonie Vliek found space following a smart exchange with a teammate, yet rather of aiming for goal she squared for the team's leading striker who was denied by the defense.

Chelsea showed spirit yet missing teamwork, the rotations having an impact, particularly in the final third. Maika Hamano ought to have scored with a chance but blasted high from close range in their best effort, while the keeper helped keep Twente in it.

Second Half Drama

After halftime, a recent addition scored a goal, slotting home a driven ball, yet the assistant went up, the passer deemed in an illegal position.

The coach looked to her bench to try to change the game soon after. Two starters made way, including one with a head injury, for new energy and a former hosts' star.

Wasted Opportunities

Twente had a clear opportunity to take the lead right around the hour mark. Having won possession in the Chelsea third, a low cross found a player at the far post yet a challenge prevented the goal.

The hosts' chances were scarce and with every passed without scoring, it felt that Twente would be punished. Yet, it was the Blues ruing their poor finishing. A cutback reached the captain and she shifted onto her right foot and fired past the goalkeeper.

Leveling Penalty

The Blues continued pressing. They have not delivered exciting displays this term yet they've earned points and in the Netherlands they extended that trend. A foul on a player gave the visitors a spot-kick, although they might have earned one earlier from a high foot caught a player. Baltimore converted to tie the game.

A victory escaped them, but they have opportunities to bounce back against upcoming opponents ahead of meeting old rivals and former champions.