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The Champions League remains the Blues' hard-to-catch prize. They crave it intensely. Yet, their credentials suffered on Dutch soil, a 1-1 draw against Twente far from the perfect beginning to a tournament they hope 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 spot for the equaliser.

Domestic Dominance Yet Continental Heartbreak

Each piece of silverware holds value, but for the squad which has repeatedly triumphed domestically, the yearning for the final piece is powerful. It escaped them during Emma Hayes’ tenure, defeat to Barcelona in the championship match the nearest they came. Three straight last-four losses to Barcelona, including an 8-2 aggregate loss the previous campaign, have hurt on every occasion.

Squad Rotation Proves Costly

The manager showcased the team's strength ahead of the visit to the Netherlands, with only four players from the last game in the lineup, but it proved expensive as they began their European journey in a new era – the group stage replaced by league phase similar to the male competition.

The two sides faced off during the previous group stage, as Chelsea handing out a heavy overall loss on the Dutch champions. Van Ginkel stated they'd look somewhat different after a year. “I trust we've grown somewhat and can fix what we did wrong,” she said.

Home Side's Growth Evident

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

Twente's players celebrate their captain after her opening goal.

Yet, the hosts created the best opportunity of the half. Leonie Vliek had room after a neat exchange with Jill Roord, yet rather of aiming for goal she squared to their leading striker but the effort was cleared by a defender.

Chelsea showed spirit yet missing teamwork, the rotations having an impact, especially 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 scored a goal, turning in a driven ball, but the flag went up, the passer deemed in an illegal position.

The coach looked to her bench to try to change the game soon after. Two starters made way, one due to a concussion, for new energy and an ex- hosts' star.

Missed Chances

The home side created another golden chance to go ahead right around the 60-minute point. Having won the ball in attack, a driven pass reached a teammate in the box but a tackle denied the chance.

The hosts' chances were limited and as each passed without scoring, it felt like the home side might pay the price. Yet, it was Chelsea regretting their wastefulness. A pass back reached the captain and she shifted onto her right foot and fired past the goalkeeper.

Late Equalizer

Chelsea kept pushing. They have not produced thrilling performances this season but they have secured results and away from home they continued that trend. A foul on Guro Reiten gave the visitors a spot-kick, though they could have had one earlier when a late boot caught a player. Baltimore converted to tie the game.

A victory escaped them, yet they possess opportunities to bounce back against upcoming opponents ahead of meeting old rivals and former champions.