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The Champions League remains Chelsea's elusive prize. They desire it intensely. Yet, their title hopes suffered in the Netherlands, a 1-1 draw versus the hosts not at all the ideal start in a competition they aim to dominate.

In spite of their dominance in possession, the home side that struck first, through captain Danique van Ginkel, prior to Sandy Baltimore scored from the penalty mark to level the scores.

Domestic Dominance Yet Continental Heartbreak

Every trophy is precious, yet for the team that has consistently triumphed domestically, the longing for the final piece is intense. It escaped them during Emma Hayes’ reign, defeat to Barcelona in the championship match the closest they came. Three straight last-four losses against the Catalan side, including an 8-2 aggregate defeat last season, have stung on every occasion.

Team Changes Proves Costly

The coach flexed the team's strength for the trip to the Netherlands, featuring just four players from the last game on the pitch, but it proved costly as they began their European journey in a new era – the initial phase now a league phase similar to the men's tournament.

The two sides met 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 grown a bit and can address our past mistakes,” she added.

Home Side's Growth Evident

On home turf that growth was evident, Twente didn't attempt to compete with Chelsea's press or engage one-on-one, they proved a cohesive team, frustrating the visitors who launched wave after wave at the home team.

Twente's players gather around their captain following the opening goal.

Yet, Twente had the top chance in the first period. A player found space following a smart one-two with a teammate, but instead of aiming for goal she squared for the team's leading striker who was denied by the defense.

Chelsea showed spirit but a lack of teamwork, the changes having an impact, particularly in the final third. A forward ought to have scored with a chance 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, turning in a low cross, yet the assistant was raised, the passer deemed in an illegal position.

The coach turned to the substitutes to try to alter the dynamics soon after. Two starters were replaced, one due to a head injury, for fresh legs and a former Twente player.

Missed Chances

The home side created a clear opportunity to go ahead right around the hour mark. Having won possession in attack, a driven pass reached a teammate at the far post but a tackle prevented the goal.

The hosts' chances were limited and as each missed without scoring, it felt that Twente would be punished. Yet, it would be the Blues ruing their wastefulness. A cutback reached the captain and she shifted onto her right foot and fired into the net.

Leveling Penalty

The Blues kept pushing. They have not produced thrilling performances this season but they have earned points and in the Netherlands they continued that trend. A challenge on Guro Reiten gave the visitors a penalty, though they could have earned one earlier when a late boot hit a teammate. Baltimore scored to make it even.

A winner eluded them, yet they possess chances to recover in future matches ahead of meeting familiar foes and former champions.