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The Champions League continues to be the Blues' hard-to-catch trophy. They crave it intensely. However, their credentials took a hit on Dutch soil, a stalemate versus the hosts far from the perfect beginning to a tournament they hope to dominate.

In spite of their dominance in possession, the home side that struck first, via skipper Danique van Ginkel, prior to Sandy Baltimore scored from the spot for the equaliser.

Domestic Dominance Yet Continental Heartbreak

Every trophy is precious, but for the squad which has repeatedly triumphed domestically, the longing for the final piece is powerful. It eluded them under Emma Hayes’ tenure, loss against Barcelona in the championship match the nearest they got. Three straight last-four losses against the Catalan side, featuring an 8-2 aggregate defeat the previous campaign, have hurt on every occasion.

Team Changes Takes Its Toll

The coach flexed her squad's depth ahead of the visit to the Netherlands, featuring just four players from the last game on the pitch, yet it turned out costly as they started their Champions League campaign in a new era – the group stage now a league phase akin to the men's tournament.

The two sides faced off in last season's group stage, as Chelsea handing out a 9-2 aggregate loss on the Dutch champions. Van Ginkel stated they'd look somewhat different one year on. “I hope we've matured somewhat and can address our past mistakes,” she said.

Twente's Maturity Evident

On home turf that maturity was evident, the hosts avoided to compete with Chelsea's press or battle individually, they proved an efficient unit, irritating the Blues who launched repeated attacks at the home team.

Twente's players celebrate their captain following the first strike.

However, the hosts created the top chance of the half. A player found space after a neat exchange with a teammate, yet rather of shooting she passed to their top scorer but the effort was cleared by the defense.

Chelsea showed spirit but a lack of cohesion, the rotations having an impact, especially in attack. Maika Hamano should have done better with a chance but fired over from close range in their best effort, while the keeper helped keep Twente in it.

Second Half Drama

After halftime, a new signing scored a goal, slotting home a driven ball, but the flag went up, the provider having been in an illegal position.

The manager turned to the substitutes in an attempt to change the game soon after. Two players made way, one due to a concussion, for new energy and an ex- Twente player.

Wasted Opportunities

Twente had a clear opportunity to go ahead right around the hour mark. After regaining possession in the Chelsea third, a driven pass reached a teammate in the box but a tackle denied the chance.

Their opportunities were scarce and as each missed without scoring, it seemed like the home side would be punished. However, it would be the Blues ruing their poor finishing. A pass back found Van Ginkel and she shifted to her strong foot and struck into the net.

Late Equalizer

Chelsea kept pushing. They haven't delivered exciting displays this season but they have earned points and away from home they continued that trend. A foul on Guro Reiten gave the visitors a spot-kick, though they could have earned one earlier when a late boot hit a teammate. Baltimore converted to tie the game.

A victory escaped them, but they have chances to recover against upcoming opponents before facing old rivals and former champions.