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The Champions League remains Chelsea's hard-to-catch trophy. They crave it intensely. Yet, their title hopes suffered on Dutch soil, a stalemate against Twente not at all the perfect beginning in a competition they aim to conquer.

In spite of their control of the ball, it was who took the lead, via skipper Danique van Ginkel, prior to Sandy Baltimore converted from the penalty mark to level the scores.

Home Success Yet Continental Disappointment

Every trophy holds value, yet for the squad that has consistently won it all, the longing for the final piece is powerful. It eluded them under Emma Hayes’ tenure, loss against Barcelona in the championship match the nearest they came. Three straight last-four losses against the Catalan side, including a heavy combined defeat the previous campaign, have stung on every occasion.

Team Changes Proves Costly

The manager showcased her squad's depth ahead of the visit to the Netherlands, featuring just four starters from the previous match in the lineup, but it proved costly as they started their European journey under a new format – the initial phase replaced by league phase akin to the men's tournament.

These two teams faced off in last season's opening round, as Chelsea handing out a 9-2 aggregate defeat to the Eredivisie winners. Van Ginkel stated they'd look somewhat different after a year. “I hope we've matured a bit and can fix what we did wrong,” she said.

Twente's Maturity On Display

At their stadium that growth showed, Twente didn't attempt to match the Blues' pressure or battle one-on-one, they were a cohesive team, frustrating the Blues who launched repeated attacks at the home team.

The home side gather around their captain following the opening goal.

However, Twente had the top chance of the half. A player found space following a smart exchange with a teammate, but instead of shooting she squared for the team's leading striker but the effort was cleared by a defender.

Chelsea showed spirit yet missing teamwork, the changes taking a toll, especially in attack. A forward ought to have scored from a cutback but fired over from the spot in a key moment, and the goalkeeper made key saves.

After the Break Action

After halftime, a new signing scored a goal, turning in a driven ball, yet the assistant went up, the provider having been in an illegal position.

The coach turned to the substitutes in an attempt to change the game soon after. Two players made way, one due to a concussion, for fresh legs and a former hosts' star.

Missed Chances

The home side created another golden chance to take the lead 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 limited and as each passed without a goal, it seemed like the home side might pay the price. Yet, it would be Chelsea regretting their wastefulness. A pass back found Van Ginkel and she shifted to her strong foot and struck into the net.

Leveling Penalty

Chelsea continued pressing. They haven't produced thrilling displays this season but they have secured results and away from home they continued that trend. A challenge on a player gave the visitors a spot-kick, though they could have had one earlier from a high foot caught a player. Baltimore converted to tie the game.

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