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The Champions League continues to be the Blues' hard-to-catch trophy. They desire it intensely. However, their credentials suffered on Dutch soil, a stalemate versus the hosts far from the ideal start to a tournament they aim to dominate.

Despite their dominance in possession, the home side that struck first, via skipper Danique van Ginkel, prior to Sandy Baltimore converted from the spot to level the scores.

Home Success Yet Continental Disappointment

Every trophy is precious, yet for the squad that has consistently triumphed domestically, the longing for the final piece is intense. It eluded them during Emma Hayes’ reign, loss against Barcelona in the 2020-21 final the nearest they came. Three straight last-four losses to Barcelona, featuring a heavy combined loss the previous campaign, have hurt each time.

Team Changes Takes Its Toll

The manager flexed her squad's depth for the trip to the Netherlands, featuring just four starters from the last game on the pitch, yet it turned out costly as they began their European journey under a new format – the initial phase now a league phase akin to the men's tournament.

These two teams faced off during the previous opening round, with the Blues inflicting a 9-2 aggregate defeat on the Dutch champions. The captain remarked they'd look a bit changed after a year. “I trust we've matured somewhat and can address our past mistakes,” she said.

Twente's Maturity On Display

At their stadium that maturity showed, the hosts avoided to match the Blues' pressure or battle one-on-one, they were a cohesive team, irritating the visitors who launched repeated attacks toward the goal.

The home side celebrate their captain after her first strike.

Yet, the hosts created the top chance in the first period. Leonie Vliek found space after a neat one-two with a teammate, yet rather of aiming for goal she passed to their leading striker who was denied by a defender.

There was energy yet missing teamwork, the rotations taking a toll, especially in attack. A forward should have done better from a cutback but fired over from the spot in their best effort, while the keeper made key saves.

Second Half Drama

After halftime, a recent addition found the net, turning in a driven ball, yet the assistant went up, the provider deemed in an illegal position.

The coach turned to her bench to try to change the game shortly later. Two starters made way, including one with a concussion, for fresh legs and a former Twente player.

Wasted Opportunities

Twente had another golden chance to take the lead just before the 60-minute point. After regaining the ball in the Chelsea third, a driven pass reached a teammate in the box yet a challenge denied the chance.

Their opportunities were scarce and with every passed without a goal, it felt like the home side might pay the price. Yet, it would be the Blues ruing their wastefulness. A cutback reached the captain who moved to her strong foot and struck past the goalkeeper.

Leveling Penalty

The Blues kept pushing. They have not delivered exciting displays this term yet they've earned points and away from home they extended that trend. A foul on Guro Reiten gave the visitors a penalty, although they might have had one sooner from a high foot caught a player. Baltimore scored to make it even.

A victory eluded them, but they have chances to bounce back against upcoming opponents before facing familiar foes and former champions.