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The Champions League continues to be Chelsea's hard-to-catch trophy. They crave it deeply. Yet, their title hopes took a hit on Dutch soil, a stalemate against Twente not at all the perfect beginning to a tournament they aim to dominate.

In spite of their dominance in possession, it was who took the lead, through captain Danique van Ginkel, prior to Sandy Baltimore scored from the penalty mark for the equaliser.

Home Success But European Heartbreak

Every trophy holds value, but for the team which has consistently won it all, the yearning for the missing trophy is intense. It escaped them during Emma Hayes’ reign, defeat to Barcelona in the championship match the closest they came. Three straight semi-final defeats to Barcelona, featuring an 8-2 aggregate defeat the previous campaign, have hurt on every occasion.

Squad Rotation Proves Costly

The coach flexed the team's strength for the trip to the Netherlands, with only four players from the previous match on the pitch, yet it turned out costly as they started their European journey under a new format – the group stage replaced by expanded stage similar to the male competition.

These two teams faced off in last season's opening round, as Chelsea handing out a heavy overall loss on the Dutch champions. The captain remarked they would appear somewhat different after a year. “I trust we've grown a bit and can address our past mistakes,” she said.

Twente's Maturity On Display

On home turf that growth showed, the hosts avoided to match the Blues' pressure or engage one-on-one, they were an efficient unit, frustrating the visitors who launched wave after wave at the home team.

The home side gather around their captain following the opening goal.

However, the hosts created the top chance in the first period. Leonie Vliek had room following a smart one-two with Jill Roord, yet rather of aiming for goal she squared to their top scorer who was denied by the defense.

Chelsea showed spirit yet missing cohesion, the changes taking a toll, particularly in the final third. Maika Hamano should have done better from a cutback but blasted high from close range in a key moment, and the goalkeeper helped keep Twente in it.

Second Half Drama

After halftime, a recent addition scored a goal, slotting home a driven ball, but the flag went up, the passer deemed in an illegal position.

The coach turned to the substitutes in an attempt to alter the dynamics soon after. Two players were replaced, one due to a head injury, for new energy and an ex- hosts' star.

Missed Chances

Twente had a clear opportunity to go ahead just before the hour mark. Having won the ball in the Chelsea third, a low cross found a player at the far post yet a challenge prevented the goal.

Their opportunities were scarce and with every passed without scoring, it seemed that Twente would be punished. However, it was Chelsea regretting their poor finishing. A pass back reached the captain who moved to her strong foot and struck past the goalkeeper.

Leveling Penalty

The Blues continued pressing. They haven't delivered exciting displays this term but they have secured results and away from home they extended that trend. A foul on Guro Reiten gave the visitors a spot-kick, though they could have earned one sooner from a high foot hit a teammate. Baltimore scored to tie the game.

A victory escaped them, yet they possess chances to recover against upcoming opponents ahead of meeting familiar foes and former champions.