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The Champions League continues to be the Blues' hard-to-catch prize. They crave it intensely. However, their title hopes suffered on Dutch soil, a stalemate versus the hosts far from the perfect beginning to a tournament they hope to conquer.

In spite of their control of the ball, the home side who took the lead, via skipper Danique van Ginkel, prior to Sandy Baltimore scored from the spot for the equaliser.

Domestic Dominance But European Disappointment

Each piece of silverware is precious, but for the squad which has repeatedly triumphed domestically, the longing for the final piece is powerful. It escaped them under Emma Hayes’ reign, loss against Barcelona in the championship match the closest they got. Three straight semi-final defeats against the Catalan side, featuring a heavy combined loss last season, have stung each time.

Squad Rotation Proves Costly

The manager showcased the team's strength for the trip to Enschede, featuring just four starters from the last game on the pitch, but it proved costly as they began their Champions League campaign under a new format – the group stage replaced by expanded stage akin to the male competition.

These two teams faced off during the previous group stage, as Chelsea handing out a heavy overall defeat to the Eredivisie winners. Van Ginkel remarked they would appear a bit changed after a year. “I hope we've matured somewhat and can address our past mistakes,” she added.

Home Side's Growth On Display

At their stadium that maturity showed, Twente didn't attempt to match the Blues' pressure or battle one-on-one, they were an efficient unit, irritating the visitors who launched repeated attacks at the home team.

The home side celebrate their captain after her first strike.

However, Twente had the top chance in the first period. A player found space after a neat exchange with Jill Roord, but instead of aiming for goal she passed to their leading striker but the effort was cleared by a defender.

Chelsea showed spirit but a lack of teamwork, the changes having an impact, particularly in attack. Maika Hamano should have done better from a cutback but blasted high from close range in their best effort, while the keeper helped keep Twente in it.

Second Half Action

In the second half, a recent addition found the net, turning in a low cross, yet the assistant went up, the passer deemed in an illegal position.

The coach looked to the substitutes in an attempt to alter the dynamics soon after. Two players made way, one due to a concussion, for new energy and an ex- hosts' star.

Wasted Opportunities

Twente had a clear opportunity to take the lead just before the hour mark. Having won the ball in attack, a driven pass found a player in the box yet a challenge prevented the goal.

Their opportunities were limited and as each passed without scoring, it seemed like the home side might pay the price. However, it would be the Blues ruing their wastefulness. A cutback found Van Ginkel who moved to her strong foot and struck into the net.

Leveling Penalty

The Blues kept pushing. They have not produced thrilling displays this term yet they've earned points 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 make it even.

A winner eluded them, yet they possess opportunities to bounce back against upcoming opponents before facing old rivals and title winners.