🔗 Share this article

Europe's premier competition continues to be Chelsea's hard-to-catch trophy. They desire it deeply. However, their title hopes took a hit on Dutch soil, a 1-1 draw versus the hosts not at all the perfect beginning in a competition they aim to conquer.

In spite of their control in possession, it was that struck first, via skipper Danique van Ginkel, before Sandy Baltimore scored from the penalty mark for the equaliser.

Domestic Dominance Yet Continental Heartbreak

Every trophy holds value, yet for the team which has consistently won it all, the yearning for the final piece is powerful. It escaped them under Emma Hayes’ reign, defeat to Barcelona in the championship match the nearest they got. Three consecutive last-four losses against the Catalan side, including a heavy combined defeat the previous campaign, have stung on every occasion.

Team Changes Takes Its Toll

The manager flexed her squad's depth for the trip to Enschede, with only four starters from the last game in the lineup, yet it turned out expensive as they began their Champions League campaign under a new format – the group stage replaced by league phase akin to the male competition.

These two teams faced off in last season's opening round, as Chelsea handing out a 9-2 aggregate loss to the Eredivisie winners. The captain remarked they'd look somewhat different one year on. “I hope we've matured a bit and can fix our past mistakes,” she said.

Home Side's Growth On Display

On home turf that growth showed, Twente didn't attempt to match the Blues' pressure or engage individually, they were an efficient unit, frustrating the Blues who launched wave after wave at the home team.

Twente's players celebrate Danique van Ginkel after her first strike.

However, the hosts created the top chance of the half. Leonie Vliek found space after a neat one-two with Jill Roord, yet rather of shooting she passed for the team's top scorer who was denied by the defense.

There was energy but a lack of teamwork, the changes taking a toll, particularly in the final third. Maika Hamano should have done better with a chance but fired over from close range in a key moment, and the goalkeeper helped keep Twente in it.

Second Half Drama

After halftime, a new signing found the net, turning in a driven ball, but the flag went up, the passer deemed offside.

The coach turned to her bench in an attempt to alter the dynamics soon after. Two players made way, one due to a head injury, for fresh legs and a former hosts' star.

Missed Chances

Twente had a clear opportunity to take the lead right around the hour mark. Having won the ball in the Chelsea third, a low cross found a player at the far post yet a challenge prevented the goal.

The hosts' chances were limited and with every missed without a goal, it felt like the home side would be punished. Yet, it would be the Blues ruing their wastefulness. A cutback reached the captain who moved onto her right foot and fired into the net.

Leveling Penalty

The Blues kept pushing. They haven't produced thrilling displays this season but they have earned points and in the Netherlands they continued that trend. A challenge on a player gave the visitors a spot-kick, although they might have had one earlier when a late boot hit a teammate. Baltimore scored to tie the game.

A winner eluded them, but they have chances to bounce back against upcoming opponents before facing old rivals and title winners.