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Europe's premier competition remains Chelsea's hard-to-catch prize. They desire it deeply. However, 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, it was that struck first, through captain Danique van Ginkel, before Sandy Baltimore converted from the penalty mark to level the scores.

Home Success Yet Continental Heartbreak

Every trophy is precious, yet for the team which has consistently triumphed domestically, the yearning for the final piece is powerful. It eluded them during Emma Hayes’ tenure, loss against Barcelona in the 2020-21 final the nearest they came. Three straight last-four losses against the Catalan side, featuring a heavy combined loss the previous campaign, have stung each time.

Squad Rotation Proves Costly

The coach showcased her squad's depth ahead of the visit to the Netherlands, with only four players from the last game on the pitch, yet it turned out expensive as they began their European journey under a new format – the group stage now a expanded stage similar to the male competition.

The two sides met during the previous opening round, as Chelsea handing out a heavy overall loss on the Dutch champions. The captain stated they'd look a bit changed after a year. “I trust we've grown a bit and can fix what we did wrong,” she said.

Home Side's Growth Evident

On home turf that growth was evident, the hosts avoided to match Chelsea's press or engage one-on-one, they were an efficient unit, frustrating the Blues who sent wave after wave at the home team.

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

However, Twente had the top chance of the half. A player had room following a smart one-two with Jill Roord, but instead of aiming for goal she squared for the team's leading striker who was denied by a defender.

There was energy but a lack of cohesion, the changes having an impact, particularly in attack. Maika Hamano ought to have scored from a cutback but fired over from close range in a key moment, while the keeper made key saves.

After the Break Action

In the second half, a new signing scored a goal, slotting home a low cross, yet the assistant went up, the provider deemed offside.

The coach looked to the substitutes to try to alter the dynamics shortly later. Two players made way, including one with a head injury, for new energy and a former Twente player.

Wasted Opportunities

The home side created 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 at the far post but a tackle prevented the goal.

Their opportunities were scarce and as each passed without a goal, it seemed like the home side would be punished. However, it was the Blues ruing their poor finishing. A pass back found Van Ginkel and she shifted to her strong foot and fired past the goalkeeper.

Late Equalizer

Chelsea kept pushing. They have not produced thrilling displays this season yet they've secured results and away from home they continued that trend. A foul on a player earned the away side a penalty, though they could have had one earlier from a high foot caught a player. Baltimore scored to tie the game.

A victory escaped them, yet they possess opportunities to bounce back in future matches ahead of meeting old rivals and former champions.