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Europe's premier competition remains Chelsea's elusive prize. They desire it deeply. Yet, their title hopes took a hit in the Netherlands, a stalemate versus the hosts far from the perfect beginning to a tournament they aim to dominate.

Despite their dominance of the ball, it was who took the lead, via skipper Danique van Ginkel, before Sandy Baltimore converted from the penalty mark for the equaliser.

Domestic Dominance Yet Continental Disappointment

Every trophy holds value, but for the team that has consistently won it all, the yearning for the missing trophy is intense. It escaped them during 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 loss the previous campaign, have hurt each time.

Squad Rotation Takes Its Toll

The manager flexed her squad's depth ahead of the visit to Enschede, featuring just four starters from the previous match in the lineup, but it proved costly as they began their Champions League campaign in a new era – the group stage replaced by expanded stage akin to the male competition.

These two teams faced off during the previous opening round, with the Blues handing out a heavy overall defeat on the Dutch champions. The captain remarked they would appear somewhat different after a year. “I trust we've grown somewhat and can address what we did wrong,” she said.

Home Side's Growth On Display

At their stadium that growth showed, the hosts avoided to match the Blues' pressure or engage individually, they proved an efficient unit, irritating the Blues who launched repeated attacks at the home team.

Twente's players gather around Danique van Ginkel after her opening goal.

Yet, the hosts created the top chance of the half. Leonie Vliek found space after a neat exchange with Jill Roord, but instead of aiming for goal she squared for the team's top scorer but the effort was cleared by the defense.

There was energy yet missing cohesion, the rotations having an impact, particularly in the final third. Maika Hamano ought to have scored with a chance but fired over from close range in a key moment, and the goalkeeper helped keep Twente in it.

Second Half Drama

In the second half, a recent addition found the net, slotting home a driven ball, yet the assistant was raised, the passer deemed in an illegal position.

The coach looked to her bench in an attempt to change the game shortly later. Two players were replaced, including one with a head injury, for new energy and an ex- hosts' star.

Wasted Opportunities

Twente had another golden chance to go ahead right around the hour mark. After regaining the ball in attack, a low cross reached a teammate at the far post but a tackle denied the chance.

The hosts' chances were scarce and as each passed without a goal, it felt like the home side might pay the price. However, it was Chelsea regretting their wastefulness. A pass back reached the captain who moved onto her right foot and struck into the net.

Late Equalizer

The Blues kept pushing. They haven't delivered exciting displays this term yet they've earned points and away from home they extended that trend. A challenge on a player gave the visitors a penalty, although they might have had one sooner from a high foot hit a teammate. Baltimore converted to tie the game.

A victory escaped them, but they have chances to bounce back in future matches before facing familiar foes and former champions.