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Europe's premier competition remains Chelsea's elusive trophy. They crave it intensely. However, their credentials suffered in the Netherlands, a 1-1 draw against Twente not at all the ideal start to a tournament they hope to conquer.

In spite of their control in possession, it was who took the lead, via skipper Danique van Ginkel, before Sandy Baltimore scored from the spot to level the scores.

Domestic Dominance Yet Continental Disappointment

Each piece of silverware is precious, yet for the squad that has repeatedly triumphed domestically, the longing for the final piece is powerful. It eluded them during Emma Hayes’ tenure, loss against Barcelona in the 2020-21 final the closest they got. Three straight semi-final defeats against the Catalan side, including an 8-2 aggregate loss the previous campaign, have hurt each time.

Team Changes Takes Its Toll

The manager showcased her squad's depth for the trip to the Netherlands, featuring just four starters from the previous match in the lineup, but it proved costly as they started their European journey in a new era – the initial phase now a expanded stage akin to the male competition.

The two sides faced off in last season's opening round, with the Blues inflicting a heavy overall defeat to the Eredivisie winners. Van Ginkel stated they would appear a bit changed after a year. “I hope we've grown a bit and can address our past mistakes,” she added.

Home Side's Growth On Display

On home turf that growth was evident, Twente didn't attempt to match Chelsea's press or battle one-on-one, they were a cohesive team, frustrating the visitors who sent repeated attacks toward the goal.

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

Yet, Twente had the best opportunity of the half. A player found space following a smart one-two with a teammate, yet rather of aiming for goal she passed for the team's top scorer who was denied by a defender.

There was energy but a lack of teamwork, the changes taking a toll, particularly in the final third. A forward ought to have scored with a chance but fired over from the spot in a key moment, while the keeper helped keep Twente in it.

After the Break Action

After halftime, a new signing scored a goal, turning in a driven ball, yet the assistant was raised, the provider having been offside.

The coach turned to her bench in an attempt to change the game soon after. Two players made way, one due to a head injury, for new energy and a former Twente player.

Wasted Opportunities

The home side created a clear opportunity to take the lead just before the hour mark. Having won possession in the Chelsea third, a driven pass reached a teammate at the far post yet a challenge prevented the goal.

The hosts' chances were limited and with every missed without a goal, it seemed like the home side might pay the price. Yet, it was the Blues ruing their poor finishing. A pass back found Van Ginkel and she shifted onto her right foot and struck past the goalkeeper.

Leveling Penalty

Chelsea kept pushing. They haven't delivered exciting displays this season but they have earned points and away from home they continued that pattern. A foul on a player earned the away side a penalty, though they could have earned one sooner from a high foot caught a player. Baltimore scored to tie the game.

A victory eluded them, yet they possess chances to recover against upcoming opponents before facing old rivals and former champions.