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The Champions League remains Chelsea's elusive prize. They desire it intensely. However, their credentials suffered on Dutch soil, a stalemate versus the hosts far from the perfect beginning in a competition they aim to dominate.

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

Home Success Yet Continental Disappointment

Every trophy is precious, yet for the team which has repeatedly triumphed domestically, the yearning for the final piece is intense. It eluded them under Emma Hayes’ reign, loss against Barcelona in the 2020-21 final the nearest they came. Three consecutive last-four losses against the Catalan side, including a heavy combined loss the previous campaign, have hurt on every occasion.

Squad Rotation Takes Its Toll

The manager showcased the team's strength ahead of the visit to Enschede, with only four starters from the last game on the pitch, but it proved costly as they started their European journey in a new era – the group stage now a expanded stage similar to the men's tournament.

The two sides faced off during the previous group stage, as Chelsea inflicting a 9-2 aggregate defeat to the Eredivisie winners. The captain remarked they'd look a bit changed one year on. “I trust we've matured a bit and can address our past mistakes,” she said.

Home Side's Growth Evident

On home turf that maturity showed, the hosts avoided to compete with Chelsea's press or engage individually, they were an efficient unit, irritating the Blues who sent wave after wave at the home team.

The home side gather around Danique van Ginkel following the opening goal.

Yet, Twente had the top chance in the first period. Leonie Vliek found space following a smart exchange with a teammate, yet rather of shooting she passed to their leading striker but the effort was cleared by the defense.

Chelsea showed spirit but a lack of teamwork, the rotations having an impact, especially in the final third. A forward ought to have scored from a cutback but fired over from close range in a key moment, and the goalkeeper made key saves.

Second Half Action

After halftime, a recent addition scored a goal, turning in a driven ball, yet the assistant went up, the passer deemed offside.

The coach turned to her bench to try to change the game shortly later. Two starters were replaced, one due to a head injury, for new energy and an ex- hosts' star.

Wasted Opportunities

The home side created another golden chance to go ahead right around the hour mark. After regaining the ball in the Chelsea third, a driven pass found a player at the far post but a tackle denied the chance.

The hosts' chances were scarce and with every missed without scoring, it seemed like the home side might pay the price. However, it would be Chelsea regretting their wastefulness. A pass back reached the captain and she shifted onto her right foot and struck past the goalkeeper.

Late Equalizer

The Blues kept pushing. They haven't delivered exciting displays this term yet they've earned points and in the Netherlands they continued that trend. A challenge on Guro Reiten earned the away side a spot-kick, although they might have had one sooner from a high foot hit a teammate. Baltimore scored to tie the game.

A winner eluded them, but they have opportunities to recover against upcoming opponents ahead of meeting familiar foes and former champions.