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Europe's premier competition continues to be Chelsea's elusive prize. They crave it intensely. However, their credentials suffered in the Netherlands, a 1-1 draw versus the hosts not at all the ideal start to a tournament they hope to conquer.

Despite their control in possession, the home side who took the lead, through captain Danique van Ginkel, before Sandy Baltimore converted from the spot to level the scores.

Domestic Dominance But European Heartbreak

Each piece of silverware holds value, yet for the team that has repeatedly won it all, the longing for the missing trophy is powerful. It escaped them under Emma Hayes’ tenure, loss against Barcelona in the 2020-21 final the closest they came. Three consecutive last-four losses to Barcelona, including a heavy combined loss the previous campaign, have hurt on every occasion.

Team Changes Proves Costly

The coach flexed the team's strength for the trip to the Netherlands, with only four starters from the last game on the pitch, yet it turned out costly as they started their European journey in a new era – the initial phase now a expanded stage akin to the men's tournament.

The two sides met during the previous opening round, with the Blues handing out a heavy overall loss to the Eredivisie winners. Van Ginkel stated they would appear somewhat different one year on. “I hope we've matured somewhat and can address what we did wrong,” she added.

Twente's Maturity On Display

At their stadium that growth showed, the hosts avoided to compete with Chelsea's press or engage one-on-one, they proved a cohesive team, frustrating the Blues who launched wave after wave toward the goal.

The home side celebrate their captain following the opening goal.

Yet, the hosts created the best opportunity of the half. Leonie Vliek had room following a smart one-two with Jill Roord, but instead of shooting she squared to their top scorer who was denied by a defender.

There was energy yet missing teamwork, the rotations taking a toll, especially in attack. A forward should have done better from a cutback but blasted high from the spot in a key moment, while the keeper made key saves.

After the Break Action

In the second half, a new signing found the net, slotting home a driven ball, yet the assistant went up, the passer having been offside.

The coach looked to the substitutes to try to alter the dynamics shortly later. Two players were replaced, one due to a head injury, for fresh legs and a former hosts' star.

Missed Chances

The home side created another golden chance to go ahead just before the 60-minute point. After regaining the ball in the Chelsea third, a driven pass reached a teammate at the far post yet a challenge denied the chance.

The hosts' chances were limited and with every passed without a goal, it seemed that Twente would be punished. However, it would be Chelsea regretting their poor finishing. A pass back found Van Ginkel and she shifted onto her right foot and struck into the net.

Late Equalizer

The Blues continued pressing. They have not delivered exciting performances this term yet they've secured results and away from home they extended that trend. A challenge on Guro Reiten gave the visitors a penalty, though they could have earned one earlier from a high foot caught a player. Baltimore scored to make it even.

A victory escaped them, but they have opportunities to recover in future matches before facing old rivals and title winners.