🔗 Share this article

Europe's premier competition remains Chelsea's elusive prize. They crave it intensely. Yet, their title hopes suffered on Dutch soil, a 1-1 draw against Twente far from the ideal start in a competition they aim to dominate.

In spite of their control of the ball, it was that struck first, via skipper Danique van Ginkel, prior to Sandy Baltimore converted from the spot for the equaliser.

Home Success But European Disappointment

Every trophy is precious, yet for the squad which has repeatedly triumphed domestically, the longing for the missing trophy is powerful. It escaped them during Emma Hayes’ reign, defeat to Barcelona in the championship match the closest they got. 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 manager flexed the team's strength ahead of the visit to the Netherlands, featuring just four players from the previous match in the lineup, yet it turned out costly as they began their Champions League campaign in a new era – the group stage replaced by expanded stage similar to the male competition.

The two sides met during the previous group stage, with the Blues inflicting a heavy overall loss to the Eredivisie winners. Van Ginkel remarked they'd look a bit changed after a year. “I hope we've grown a bit and can fix what we did wrong,” she added.

Twente's Maturity Evident

At their stadium that maturity was evident, Twente didn't attempt to compete with the Blues' pressure or engage one-on-one, they proved an efficient unit, frustrating the Blues who launched repeated attacks toward the goal.

The home side celebrate their captain following the first strike.

Yet, the hosts created the best opportunity in the first period. A player had room following a smart exchange with Jill Roord, yet rather of shooting she passed for the team's leading striker who was denied by the defense.

Chelsea showed spirit but a lack of teamwork, the rotations having an impact, especially in the final third. Maika Hamano should have done better from a cutback but blasted high from close range in a key moment, and the goalkeeper helped keep Twente in it.

Second Half Action

In the second half, a recent addition found the net, slotting home a low cross, yet the assistant was raised, the provider deemed offside.

The coach looked to her bench to try to alter the dynamics soon after. Two starters made way, one due to a concussion, for fresh legs and an ex- hosts' star.

Wasted Opportunities

The home side created another golden chance to go ahead right around the hour mark. After regaining possession in attack, a low cross found a player in the box yet a challenge denied the chance.

Their opportunities were scarce and with every passed without a goal, it felt like the home side might pay the price. However, it was the Blues ruing their poor finishing. A cutback found Van Ginkel who moved to her strong foot and fired into the net.

Leveling Penalty

The Blues kept pushing. They haven't delivered exciting performances this season yet they've earned points and in the Netherlands they continued that pattern. A foul on Guro Reiten earned the away side a penalty, though they could have earned one sooner from a high foot hit a teammate. Baltimore scored to tie the game.

A winner escaped them, yet they possess chances to recover against upcoming opponents ahead of meeting old rivals and former champions.